tihvavy  of  Che  Cheolojical  ^tminavy 

PRINCETON  •  NEW  JERSEY 
PRESENTED  BY 

Rufus  K.   LeFevre 

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Discipline 


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o/  the  Church  of  the 
United  Brethren  in  Christ 


Including 
Origin,  Doctrine,  and  Constitution 

1917—1921 


Otterbein  Press 

United  Brethren  Publishing  House 

Dayton,  Ohio 

1917 


W.  R.  FUNK,  Publishing  Agent 


Edited  and  Published  by 

y^uthority  of  the  General  Conference 

of  1917 


CONTENTS. 


PART  I. 


THE   CHURCH, 
CHAPTER  PAGE 

I.     Origin  of  the  Church 9 

II.     Confession   of   Faith 13 

III.     Constitution  16 

PART  II. 

MEMBERSHIP,  GOVERNMENT,  AND  MINISTRY. 

IV.     Members    19 

Reception  of  Members   19 

Duties  of  Members  21 

Trial  of  Members 25 

Transfer  and  Withdrawal  of  Members ...  27 

V.     Government  of  the  Church 30 

Classes    30 

Class-Leaders   30 

Class-Stewards     31 

Church   Deacons    32 

Church  Clerk   32 

Official   Boards .32 

Quarterly  Conference   34 

Annual  Conference 36 

General  Conference 38 

VI.     Ministry  of  the  Churcji  . 44 

Quarterly-Conference    Preachers 44 

Annual-Conference    Preachers 4.1 

Reception  of  Preachers  from  Other 

Churches   48 

Classification  of  the  Ministry 48 

Elders    49 

Conference    Superintendents 51 

Bishops    53 

Duties  of  Preachers   56 

Trial  of  Preachers   57 

VII.     Itinerancy   61 

Itinerants    61 

Duties  of  Itinerants   62 

Preachers'  Salaries  65 


VI.  CONTENTS 

CHAPTER  PAGE 

VIII.     Deaconess  Work G6 

Deaconesses 0(; 

Deaconess'  Homes   67 

IX.     Coi'RSES  OF  Study (J.S 

For  Quarterly-Conference   Preachers    ....  68 

For  Annual-Conference  Preachers 69 

German  Course  of  Study 72 

Deaconess  Course  of  Study    74 

German  Course  of  Study   for  Deacouesses  To 

X.     Appeals    76 

From  the  Decision  of  a  Class   76 

From    the   Decision   of   a   Quarterly    Con- 
ference    76 

Court  of  Appeals 76 

PART  III. 

social  service   and    MORAL    REFORM, 

XI.     Special  Rules  T,s 

Social  Service 78 

Temperance 7U 

Sabbath  Observance    80 

Slavery    80 

Secret  Combinations SO 

Oaths    81 

War   81 

Divorce    81 

PART  ly. 

Property. 

XII.     Church-Houses  and  Parsonages 83 

PART  V. 

Boards,  Departments,  and  Institutions. 

XIII,     Board  of  Church  Trustees 88 

XIV,     Board  of  Administration 89 

XV,     Financial  Plan  of  the  Church 91 

XVI.     Department  of   Sunday   School,  Brother- 
hood and  Young  People's  Work 95 

Constitution  of  Board  of  Control 95 

Sunday-School  Work    98 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTER 


XVII. 

XVIII. 

XIX. 


XX. 
XXI. 

XXII. 


XXIII. 


XXIV. 
XXV. 
XXVI. 
XXVII. 
XXVIII 


XXXI. 
XXX. 


PAGE 

Constitution  for  a  Sunday  School 99 

Brotherhood   Work    101 

Constitution  for  a  Brotherhood 101 

Young  People's  Work 104 

Constitution      for     Conference      Christian 

Endeavor  Union    104 

Constitution    for   Christian    Endeavor    So- 
ciety    106 

Constitution   for  Junior  and   Intermediate 

Societies   112 

Home  Missionary   Society — Constitution .  . .  116 

Foreign  Missionary  Society— Constitution .  122 

Women's  Missionary  Association  129 

General   Constitution    129 

Conference  Branch  Constitution    135 

Local  Society  Constitution   138 

Otterbein  Guild  Constitution   141 

Women's  Aid  Society  144 

Church  Erection  Society   146 

Printing  Establishment  and  Church  Pub- 
lications      151 

Printing  Establishment    151 

Church  Publications   154 

Education    155 

Constitution  of  the  Board  of  Education..  155 

Beneficiary  Aid   158 

Education  Day   159 

Academies  and  Colleges 159 

Bonebrake  Theological  Seminary 160 

General  Church  Treasury 164 

Evangelism    165 

Preachers'  Pension  Fund 167 

Homes  and  Orphanages   .  * 168 

Historical  Society  169 

PART  VI. 
boundaries. 

Bishops'  Districts 172 

Conferences  and  Districts  173 

Domestic  Conferences 17;S 

Foreign  Conferences 180 


Vlll.  CONTENTS 

PART  VII. 

FORMULAS    AND    FORMS. 
CHAPTER  PAGE 

X XXI.  Formulas    IHl 

Reception  of  Members    181 

The  Baptism  of  Adults   182 

The  Baptism  of  Children 183 

The  Holy  Communion   183 

Ordination  of  Elders 184 

Home  Mission  Consecration  Service 186 

Foreign  Mission  Consecration  Service    .  . .  187 

Consecration  of  a  Deaconess    189 

Laying  Corner-Stone    190 

Church  Dedication    191 

Parsonage    Dedication    193 

Marriage   Ceremony    195 

Marriage  Ceremony  with  Ring 196 

Burial  of  the  Dead  198 

The  Lord's  Prayer    . . .  .  199 

The  Apostles'  Creed 199 

XXXII.  Forms 200 

Certificates   200 

Licenses    201 

Bequests    203 

Reports    204 

Contribution  Cards   209 

PART  VIII. 
Special  Legislation. 

Four-Year  Program 211 

Resolution  on  Church  Union 213 

Committee   on   Courses   of   Study   for   the 

Sunday  School  214 

PART  IX. 
Officers  and  General  Boards. 

List  of  Officers  and  General  Boards  ....  215 

Commissions  and  Standing  Committees.  ,  .  217 

Index    218 


DISCIPLINE 


PART  1 

The  Church. 
CHAPTER  I. 

Origin  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ. 

In  the  eighteenth  century  it  pleased  the  Lord  our  God  to 
awaken  persons  in  different  parts  of  the  world  who  should 
raise  up  the  Christian  religion  from  its  fallen  state  and 
preach  the  gospel  of  Christ  crucified  in  its  purity. 

About  the  middle  of  said  century,  the  Lord,  in  mercy, 
remembered  the  Germans  in  America,  who,  living  scat« 
tered  in  this  extensive  country,  seldom  had  an  opportunity 
to  hear  the  gospel  of  a  crucified  Savior  preached  to  them 
in  their  native  language. 

Among  others,  he  raised  up  William  Otterbein  and 
Martin  Boehm,  in  the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  and  George 
A.  GuETHiNQ,  in  the  State  of  Maryland,  anned  them  with 
spirit,  grace,  and  strength  to  labor  in  his  neglected  vine- 
yard, and  to  call,  among  the  Germans  in  America,  sinners 
to  repentance.  These  men  obeyed  the  call  of  their  Lord 
and  Master.  Their  labors  were  blessed,  and  they  estab- 
lished in  many  places  excellent  societies  and  led  many 
precious  souls  to  Jesus  Christ.  Their  sphere  of  action 
spread  more  and  more,  so  that  they  found  it  necessary  to 
look  about  for  more  fellow-laborers  to  toil  in  the  vineyard 
of  the  Lord ;  for  the  harvest  was  great  and  the  laborers 
were  few.  The  Lord  called  others,  who  were  willing  to 
devote  theitt*  strength  to  his  service.  Such  persons  were 
accepted  by  one  or  another  of  the  preachers  as  fellow- 
laborers. 

The  number  of  members  in  the  society  in  different  parts 
of  the  country  continued  to  increase  as  time  passed,  and 
the  gracious  work  of  reformation  spread  through  the 
States  of  Pennsylvania,  Maryland,  and  Virginia.  Several 
great  meetings  were  appointed  and  held  annually.  On 
such  occasions  Otterbein  would  hold  particular  conver- 
sations with  the  preachers  then  present,  and  represent  to 
them  the   importance  of  the  ministry  and  the   necessity   of 

9 


10 


DISCIPLINE 


their  utmost  endeavors  to  save  souls.  At  one  of  these  meet- 
ings it  was  resolved  to  hold  a  conference  of  all  the  preach- 
ers, in  order  to  consider  in  what  manner  they  might  be 
most  useful. 

The  first  conference  was  held  iJn  the  city  of  Baltimore, 
Maryland,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1789.  The  following 
preachers  were  present: 

William  Otterbein,  Adam  Lehman, 

Martin  Boehm,  John  Ernst, 

Geo.  a.  Guething,  Henry  Weidner. 

Christian  Newcomer. 

The  second  conference  was  held  in  Paradise  Township, 
York  County,  Pennsylvania,  at  the  house  of  Brother 
John  Spangler,  in  the  year  of  oup  Lord  1791.  The  fol- 
lowing preachers  were  present : 


William  Otterbein, 
Martin  Boehm, 
Geo.  a.  Guething, 
Christian  Newcomer, 


John  Ernst, 
J.  G.  Pfrimmeb, 
John  Neidiq, 
Benedict  Sanders, 


Adam  Lehman. 

After  mature  deliberations  as  to  how  they  might  labor 
most  usefully  itti  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord,  they  again  ap- 
pointed as  fellow-laborers  such  as  they  had  come  to  be- 
lieve had  experienced  true  religion  in  their  souls. 

Meantime,  the  number  of  members  continued  to  increase, 
and  the  preachers  were  obliged  to  appoint  an  annual  con- 
ference, in  order  to  unite  themselves  more  closely  and  to 
labor  more  successfully  in  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord ;  for 
some  had  been  Presbyterians  or  German  Reformed,  some 
Lutherans,  and  others  Mennonites.  They  accordingly  ap- 
pointed a  conference  to  be  held  on  the  25th  of  September, 
1800,  in  Frederick  County,  Maryland,  at  the  house  of 
Brother  Frederick  Kemp.  The  following  preachers  were 
present : 


William  Otterbein, 
Martin  Boehm, 
Geo.  Guething, 
Christian  Newcomer, 
Adam  Lehman, 
Abraham  Troxel, 


Christian  Krum, 
Henry  Krum, 
John  Hershey, 
Jacob  Geisinger, 
Henry  Boehm, 
Dietrich  Aurand, 


J.  G.  Pfrimmeb. 


ORIGIN    OF   THE    CHURCH  11 

There  they  united  themselves  into  a  society  which  bears 
the  name  "United  Brethren  in  Christ,"  and  elected 
William  Otterbein  and  Martin  Boehm  as  superintend- 
ents, or  bishops,  and  agreed  that  each  of  them  should 
have  liberty  as  to  the  mode  of  baptism,  to  administer  it 
according  to  his  own  convictions. 

From  this  time,  the  society  increasing  still  more  and 
more,  preachers  were  appointed  to  travel  regularly,  as  the 
number  of  preaching-places  could  not  otherwise  be  sup- 
plied. The  work  soon  extended  into  the  States  of  Ohio  and 
Kentucky.  It  then  became  necessary  to  appoint  a  con- 
ference in  the  State  of  Ohio,  because  it  was  thought  too 
laborious  for  the  preachers  who  labored  in  those  States 
to  travel  annually  such  a  great  distance  to  conference. 

Meantime,  Martin  Boehm  and  George  A.  Guething 
died,  and  Bishop  Otterbein  desired  that  another  bishop 
should  be  elected  (because  infirmity  and  old  age  would 
not  permit  him  to  superintend  any  longer,)  who  should 
take  charge  of  the  society,  and  preserve  discipline  and 
order.  It  was  resolved  at  a  former  conference  that  when- 
ever one  of  the  bishops  died  another  should  be  elected  in 
his  place.  Accordingly,  Christian  Newcomer  was  elected 
bishop,  to  take  charge  of  and  superintend  the  concerns  of 
the  society. 

The  want  of  a  book  of  discipline  in  the  society  had  long 
been  deeply  felt.  Partial  attempts  to  provide  one  had  been 
made  at  different  times.  Hence  it  was  resolved,  at  the 
conference  held  in  the  State  of  Ohio,  that  a  General  Con- 
ference should  be  held,  in  order  to  provide  the  same,  in  a 
manner  not  derogatory  to  the  Word  of  God.  The  members 
of  this  conference  were  to  be  elected  from  among  the 
preachers  in  the  different  parts  of  the  country  by  a  vote 
of  the  society  in  general.  The  following  brethren  were  duly 
elected : 

Christian  Newcomer,  Daniel  Troyer, 

Abraham  Hiestand,  George  Benedum, 

Andrew  Zeller,  Abraham  Troxel, 

Christian  Berger,  Henry  G.  Spayth, 

Abraham  Mayer,  I.  Nis wander, 

John  Schneider,  Christian  Krum, 

Henry  Kumler,  Jacob  Bowlus, 

The  conference  convened  on  the  6th  of  June,  1815,  noar 
Mt.   Pleasant,  Westmoreland   County,   Pennsylvania.     After 


12  DISCIPLINE 

mature  deliberation,  they  presented  to  their  brethren  a 
Book  of  Discipline,  containing  tlie  doctrine  and  rules  of 
the  Church,  desiring  that  these,  together  with  the  Word 
of  God,  should  be  strictly  observed,  and  admonishing  the 
membership  in  the  following  manner : 

God  is  a  God  of  order ;  but  where  there  is  no  order  and 
no  church  discipline,  the  spirit  of  love  and  charity  will  be 
lost. 

Therefore,  brethren,  we  beseech  you  to  follow  the  ex- 
ample of  our  Lord,  as  it  is  written,  "Be  kindly  affectioned 
one  to  another  with  brotherly  love ;  in  honor  preferring 
one  another,"  Let  the  mind  be  in  you  which  was  in 
Christ,  who  took  upon  him  the  form  of  a  servant,  hum- 
bled himself,  and  became  obedient  unto  death,  even  the 
death  of  the  cross,  that  by  his  grace  we  may  submit  our- 
selves one  to  another  in  the  fear  of  God,  He  who  will  not 
submit  is  in  want  of  humble  love,  Jesus  said,  "Whosoever 
of  you  will  be  the  chiefest,  shall  be  servant  of  all."  "By 
this  shall  all  men  know  that  ye  are  my  disciples,  if  ye  have 
love  one  to  another,"  "He  that  loveth  not  his  brother 
abideth  in  death."  Let  us  walk  in  newness  of  life,  that 
the  prayer  of  our  Lord  may  be  answered  in  us ;  that  we 
may  be  one  in  him,  and  that  he  may  give  us  the  glory 
which  he  gave  to  his  disciples,  that  we  may  be  one,  even 
as  he  and  the  Father  are  one.  Therefore,  beloved  breth- 
ren, let  us  strive  to  be  like-minded,  having  the  same  love, 
being  of  one  accord,  of  one  mind.  Let  no  one  speak  or 
think  evil  of  his  brother  but  pray  God  that  he  may  grant 
us  his  spirit,  and  an  earnest  desire  to  lead  a  truly  devoted 
life,  to  the  honor  and  glory  of  his  holy  name.     Amen, 


Editors^  Note. — The  foregoiug  account  of  the  origin  of  the 
C'HURCH  OF  THE  UNITED  BRETHREN  IN  CHRIST  appeared  In  the 
Discipline  of  1815,  the  first  Discipline  published.  Only  the 
slightest  changes  in  phraseology,  as  the  years  have  passed,  have 
been  made.  The  place  of  the  Conference  of  1800,  given  as 
Frederick  Kemp's,  is  the  same  as  the  residence  of  Peter  Kemp, 
as  in  the  history  of  the  United  Brethren  Church,  the  two  men 
heing  father  and  son,  and  the  farm  passing  from  the  possession 
of  one  to  that  of  the  other.  The  present  Discipline  contains 
the  Confession  of  Faith  and  the  Constitution  as  amended  ac- 
cording to  the  action  of  the  General  Conference  of  188.5,  and 
approved  and  confirmed  by  the  General  Conference  of  1889, 
The  Confession  of  Faith  appeared  in  its  first  printed  form  in 
1815.  The  Constitution,  in  its  earlier  form,  was  adopted  in 
1841. 


CHAPTER  II. 
Confession  of  Faith. 
In  the  name  of  God,   we  declare  and  confess  before  all 
men  the  following  articles  of  our  belief: 

Article  I. — Of  God  ana  the  Holy  Trinity. 
We  believe   in   the  only   true  God,   the  Father,   the   Son, 
and  the  Holy  Ghost;  that  these  three  are  one — the  Father 
in   the   Son,   the   Son   in   the   Father,   and   the   Holy   Ghost 
equal  in  essence  or  being  with  the  Father  and  the  Son. 

Article  II. — Of  Creation  and  Providence. 
We  believe  that  this  triune  God  created  the  heavens  and 
the  earth,  and  all  that  in  them  is,  visible  and  invisible ; 
that  he  sustains,  protects,  and  governs  these,  with  gra- 
cious regard  for  the  welfare  of  man,  to  the  glory  of  his 
name. 

Article  III. — Of  Jesus   Christ. 

We  believe  in  Jesus  Christ;  that  he  is  very  God  and 
man ;  that  he  became  incarnate  by  the  power  of  the  Holy 
Ghost  and  was  born  of  the  Virgin  Mary ;  that  he  is  the 
Savior  and  Mediator  of  the  whole  human  race,  if  they 
with  full  faith  accept  the  grace  proffered  in  Jesus ;  that 
this  Jesus  suffered  and  died  on  the  cross  for  us,  was  bur- 
ied, rose  again  on  the  third  day,  ascended  into  heaven, 
and  sitteth  on  the  right  hand  of  God,  to  intercede  for  us ; 
and  that  he  will  come  again  at  the  last  day  to  judge  the 
living  and  the  dead. 

Article  IV.— Of  the  Hoiy  Ghost. 
We  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost;  that  he  is  equal  in  be- 
ing with   the   Father   and   the   Son ;    that   he   convinces   the 
^orld  of   sin,   of   righteousness,   and  of  judgment ;    that  he 
comforts  the  faithful  and  guides  them  into  all  truth. 

Article  V. — Of  the  Holy  Scriptures. 
We   believe   that   the   Holy    Bible,   Old   and   New   Testa- 
ments, is  the  word  of  God;   that  it  reveals  the  only   true 

13 


]  4  DISCIPLINE 

way  to  our  salvation ;  that  every  true  Christian  is  bound 
to  acknowledge  and  receive  it  by  the  help  of  the  Spirit  of 
God  as  the  only  role  and  guide  in  faith  and  practice. 

Article  VI. — Of  the  Church. 
We  believe  in  a  holy  Christian  church,  composed  of  true 
believers,  in  which  the  word  of  God  is  preached  by  men 
divinely  called,  and  the  ordinances  are  duly  admimistered ; 
that  this  divine  institution  is  for  the  maintenance  of  wor- 
ship, for  the  edification  of  believers,  and  the  conversion  of 
the  world  to  Christ. 

Article  VII. — Of  the  Sacraments. 

We  believe  that  the  sacraments,  baptism  and  the  Lord's 
Supper,  are  to  be  used  in  the  Church,  and  should  be  prac- 
ticed by  all  Christians ;  but  the  mode  of  baptism  and  the 
manner  of  observing  the  Lord's  Supper  are  always  to  be 
left  to  the  judgment  and  understanding  of  each  itndividual. 
Also,  the  baptism  of  children  shall  be  left  to  the  judg- 
ment of  believing  parents. 

The  example  of  the  washing  of  feet  is  to  be  left  to  thfe 
judgment  of  each  one,  to  practice  or  not. 

Article  VIII. — Of  Depravity. 
We  believe  that  man  is  fallen  from  original  rilghteous- 
ness,  and,  apart  from  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
is  not  only  entirely  destitute  of  holiness,  but  is  inclined  to 
evil,  and  only  evi'l,  and  that  continually ;  and  that  except 
a  man  be  bom  again  he  cannot  see  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 

Article  IX. — Of  Justification. 
We  believe  that  penitent  sinners  are  justified  before  God 
only  by  faith  in  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  not  by  works ; 
yet  that  good  w^orks  in  Christ  are  acceptable  to  God,  and 
spring  out  of  a  true  and  living  faith. 

Article  X. — Of  Regeneration  and  Adoption. 
We  believe  that  regeneration  is  the  renewal  of  the  heart 
of  man  after  the  image  of  God,  through  the  word,  by  the 
act  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  by  which  the  believer  receiives  the 
spirit  of  adoption,  and  is  enabled  to  serve  God  with  the 
will  and  the  affections. 


CONFESSION    OF    FAITH  15 

Article  XI. — Of  Sanctification. 
We  believe  that  sanctificatiton  is  the  work  of  God's 
grace,  through  the  word  and  the  Spirit,  by  which  those 
who  have  been  born  again  are  separated  in  their  acts, 
words,  and  thoughts  from  sin,  and  are  enabled  to  live 
unto  God,  and  to  follow  holiness,  without  which  no  man 
shall  see  the  Lord. 

Article  XI I. — Of  the  Christian  Salhath. 
We  believe  that  the  Christian  Sabbath  is  divinely  ap- 
pointed ;  that  it  is  commemorative  of  our  Lord's  resurrec- 
tion from  the  grave  and  is  an  emblem  of  our  eternal  rest; 
that  it  iis  essential  to  the  welfare  of  the  civil  community, 
and  to  the  permanence  and  growth  of  the  Christian  church, 
and  that  it  should  be  reverently  observed  as  a  day  of  holy 
rest  and  of  social  and  public  worship. 

Article  XIII. — Of  the  Future  State. 
We  believe  in  the   resurrection  of  the  dead ;   the  future 
general    judgment;    and    an    eternal    state    of    rewards,    in 
which  the  righteous  dwell  in  endless  life,  and  the  wicked  in 
endless  punishment. 


CHAPTER  III. 
Constitution. 
In  the  name  of  God,  we,  the  members  of  the  Church  of 
THE  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  for  the  work  of  the 
ministry,  for  the  edifying  of  the  body  of  Christ,  for  the 
more  speedy  and  effectual  spread  of  the  gospel,  and  in 
order  to  produce  and  secure  uniformity  in  faith  and  prac- 
tice, to  define  the  powers  and  business  of  the  General  Con- 
ference as  recognized  by  this  Church,  and  to  preserve  in- 
violate the  popular  will  of  the  membership  of  the  Church, 
do  ordain  this  Constitution  : 

Article  I. 

Section  1.  All  ecclesiastical  power  herein  granted  to 
enact  or  repeal  any  rule  or  rules  of  Discipline  is  vested  in 
a  General  Conference  which  shall  consist  of  elders  and 
laymen  elected  in  each  annual-conference  district  through- 
out the  Church.  The  number  and  ratio  of  elders  and  lay- 
men, and  the  mode  of  their  election,  shall  be  determined 
by  the  General  Conference. 

Provided,  however,  That  such  elders  shall  have  stood  as 
elders  in  the  conferences  which  they  are  to  represent  for 
no  less  time  than  three  years  next  preceding  the  meeting 
of  the  General  Conference  to  which  they  are  elected ;  and 
that  such  laymen  shall  be  not  less  than  twenty-five  years 
of  age,  and  shall  have  been  members  of  the  Church  six 
years,  and  members  in  the  conference  districts  which  they 
are  to  represent  at  least  three  years  next  preceding  the 
meeting  of  the  General  Conference  to  which  they  are  elected. 

Se:c.  2.  The  General  Conference  shall  convene  every  four 
years,  and  a  majority  of  the  whole  number  of  delegates 
elected  shall  constitute  a  quorum. 

Sec.  3.  The  ministerial  and  lay  delegates  shall  delib- 
erate and  vote  together  as  one  body ;  but  the  General  Con- 
ference shall  have  power  to  provide  for  a  vote  by  separate 
orders  whenever  it  deems  it  best  to  do  so ;  and  in  such 
cases  the  concurrent  vote  of  both  orders  shall  be  necessary 
to  complete  an  action. 

16 


CONSTITUTION  17 

Sec.  4.  The  General  Conference  shall  at  such  session, 
elect  bishops  from  among  the  elders  throughout  the  Church 
who  have  stood  sitx  years  in  that  capacity. 

Sec.  5.  The  bishops  shall  be  members  ex  officio  and  pre- 
siding officers  of  the  General  Conference ;  but  in  case  no 
bishop  be  present,  the  Conference  shall  choose  a  president 
pro  term. 

Sec.  6.  The  General  Conference  shall  determine  the 
number  and  boundaries  of  the  annual  conferences. 

Sec.  7.  The  General  Conference  shall  have  power  to 
review  the  records  of  the  annual  conferences  and  see  that 
the  business  of  each  annual  conference  is  done  strictly  in 
accordance  with  the  Discipline,  and  approve  or  annul,  as 
the  case  may  require. 

Sec.  8.  The  General  Conference  shall  have  full  control 
of  the  United  Brethren  Printing  Establishment,  the  Home 
Missionary  Society  and  the  Foreign  Missionary  Society 
(legal  successors  to  the  Home,  Frontier,  and  Foreign  Mis- 
sionary Society  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ),  the 
Church  Erection  Society,  the  general  Sabbath  School  Board, 
the  Board  of  Education,  and  the  Bonebrake  Theological  Sem- 
inary. It  shall  also  have  power  to  establish  and  manage 
any  other  organization  or  institution  within  the  Church 
which  it  may  deem  helpful  in  the  work  of  evangeliization. 

Sec.  9l  The  General  Conference  shall  have  power  to  es- 
tablish a  court  of  appeals. 

Sec.  10.  The  General  Conference  may — two-thirds  of  the 
members  elected  thereto  concurring — propose  changes  in.  or 
additions  to  the  Confession  of  Faith ;  provided,  that  the 
concurrence  of  three-fourths  of  the  annual  conferences  shall 
be  necessary  to  their  final  ratification. 

Article  II. 

The  General  Conference  shall  have  power  as  provided 
in  Article  I.,  Section  1,  of  this  Constitution,  to  make  rules 
and  regulations  for  the  Church ;  nevertheless,  it  shall  be 
subject  to  the  following  limitations  and  restrictions : 

Section  1.  The  General  Conference  shall  enact  no  rule 
or  ordinance  which  will  change  or  destroy  the  Confession 
of  Faith,  and  shall  establish  no  standard  of  doctrine  con- 
trary to  the  Confession  of  Faith. 

Sec.  2.  The  General  Conference  shall  enact  no  rule 
which  wiil  destroy  the  itinerant  plan. 


18  DISCIPLINE 

Sec.  3.  The  General  Conference  shall  enact  no  rule 
which  will  deprive  local  preachers  of  their  votes  in  the 
annual  conferences  to  which   they  severally  belong. 

Sec.  4.  The  General  Conference  shall  enact  no  rule 
which  will  abolish  the  right  of  appeal. 

Article  III. 

Section  1.  We  declare  that  all  secret  combinations  which 
infringe  upon  the  rights  of  those  outside  their  organi- 
zation and  whose  principles  and  practices  are  injurious 
to  the  Christian  character  of  their  members  are  contrary 
to  the  Word  of  God,  and  that  Christians  ought  to  have  no 
connection   with   them. 

The  General  Conference  shall  have  power  to  enact  such 
rules  of  discipline  with  respect  to  such  combinations  as  in 
its  judgment  it  may  deem  proper. 

Sec.  2.  We  declare  that  human  slavery  is  a  violation 
of  human  rights  and  contrary  to  the  Word  of  God.  It  shall 
therefore  in  no  wise  be  tolerated  among  us. 

Article  IV. 
The  right,  title,  interest,  and  claim  of  all  property,  both 
real  and  personal,  of  whatever  name  or  description,  ob- 
tained by  purchase  or  otherwise,  by  any  person  or  per- 
sons, for  the  use,  benefit,  and  behoof  of  the  Church  of  the 
United  Brethren  in  Christ,  are  hereby  fully  recognized,  and 
held  to  vest  in  the  Church  aforesaid. 

Article   V. 

Section  1.  Amendments  to  this  Constitution  may  be 
proposed  by  any  General  Conference, — two-thirds  of  the 
proposed  by  any  General  Conference — two-thirds  of  the 
shall  be  submitted  to  a.  vote  of  the  membership  throughout 
the  Church,  under  regulations  authorized  by  said  confer- 
ence. 

A  majority  of  all  the  votes  cast  upon  any  submitted 
amendment  shall  be  necessary  to  its  final  ratification. 

Sec.  2.  The  foregoing  amended  Constitution  shall  be  in 
force  from  and  after  the  first  Monday  after  the  second 
Thursday  of  May,  1889,  upon  official  proclamation  there- 
of by  the  board  of  bishops ;  provided  that  the  General 
Conference  elected  for  1889  shall  be  the  lawful  legislative 
body  under  the  amended  Constitution,  with  full  power,  un- 
til iits  final  adjournment  to  enact  such  rules  as  this  amended 
Constitution  authorizes. 


PART  II 

Membership,  Government,  and  Ministry 

CHAPTER  IV. 

Members. 
Section  I. 

RECEPTION    OF    MEMBERS. 

1.  When  at  any  meeting  there  are  persons  who  desire 
to  unite  with  the  Church,  the  ofBciating  minister  shall 
call  the  applicants  forward  and  address  them  as  fellows : 

Dear  Friends  :  Inasmuch  as  you  present  yourselves  for 
admission  into  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in 
Christ,  we  rejoice  with  you  that  through  the  grace  of  God 
you  have  been  brought  to  a  knowledge  of  the  truth,  and 
have  been  made  partakers  of  his  great  salvation.  The 
privileges  you  seek  are  above  price,  and  the  duties  enjoined 
are  solemn.  It  is  proper  that  you  publicly  confess  your 
faith  and  avow  your  purpose  by  answering  the  following 
questions : 

Questiojis  to  Applicants. 

2.  (1)  Do  you  believe  the  Bible  to  be  the  word  of  God, 
and  that  therein  only  is  contained  the  knowledge  of  the 
way  of  salvation? 

(2)  Do  you  believe  that  Jesus  Christ  is  the  Son  of  God, 
and  do  you  accept  him  as  your  personal  Savior? 

(3)  Are  you  determined  by  the  grace  of  God  to  follow 
Christ,  renouncing  the  world  and  all  ungodliness,  seeking 
to  lead  a  life  of  holiness  and  devotion  to  God  and  his  cause? 

(4)  Are  you  willing  to  be  governed  by  our  Church 
Discipline  ? 

(5)  Will  you  contribute  to  the  support  of  the  gospel  as 
God  prospers  you? 

(6)  Have  you  been  baptized? 

[If  the  answer  to  this  question  be  in  the  negative,  then 
the  applilcaat  shall  be  instructed  to  attend  to  the  duty  as 
soon  as  practicable.] 

Acceptance  of  Applicants. 

3.  If  the  persons  answer  the  above  questions  in  the 
aflBrmative,  and  no  lawful  objections  be  made  by  any  mem- 

19 


20  DISCIPLINE 

ber,  then  the  preacher  shall  give  his  right  hand  to  such 
persons  as  members  of  our  Church.  Then  the  members  of 
the  Church  will  stand,  and  the  minister  will  repeat  thin 
covenant,  as  follows :  "Do  you,  the  members  of  the  Church 
of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  enter  into  a  covenant 
with  this  applicant  [or  these  applicants]  for  membership, 
and  promise  to  watch  over,  instruct,  counsel,  and  cherish 
him  [or  her  or  them]  with  all  long-suffering,  gentleness,  and 
love?"  The  Church  will  then  answer,  "By  the  grace  of  God, 
we  will."  After  which  the  hand  of  fellowship  may  be 
extended.  The  preacher  shall  then  register  the  names  of 
the  accepted  members  in  the  Church  record. 

Committee  on  Applicants  for  Membership. 

4.  A  local  church,  when  it  deems  it  advisable  for  its  pro- 
tection against  imposition,  may  appoint  a  commiittee  on 
applicants  for  membership,  who,  together  with  the  pastor, 
may  make  inquiry  as  to  the  advisability  of  admitting  such 
applicants  to  membership  in  the  Church  according  to  the 
foregoing  requirements. 

Receiving  Children. 

5.  Believing,  according  to  the  teaching  of  Jesus,  that 
little  children  are  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  pastors  are 
authorized  to  enroll  children  under  the  watch  care  of  the 
Church  when  parents  so  desire,  and  to  receive  into  full 
membership  children  who  publicly  confess  Christ  as  their 
Savior. 

Pastors  are  required  to  instruct  children  in  the  Word  of 
God  and  the  principles  and  duties  of  the  Christian  life. 

Receiving   Persons   from   Other   Churches. 

6.  When  persons  come  to  us  with  certificates  of  good 
standing  in  other  recognized  evangelical  churches,  they  shall 
answer  the  fourth  and  fifth  questions  affirmatively,  and  the 
hand  of  fellowship  may  be  given  them  as  in  other  cases. 

Seekers. 

7.  Any  persons  giving  evidence  that  they  are  sincerely 
seeking  the  Lord  may  be  received  under  the  watch  care  of 
the  Church  by  having  their  names  placed  upon  the  church 
book,  but  shall  not  be  reported  as  members,  nor  shall  they 
have  a  vote  in  the  Church  until  they  shall  have  conformed 
to  the  conditions  in  this  section  relating  to  the  reception 
of  members. 


MEMBERS  21 

8.  If  any  person  thus  received  under  the  watch  care  of 
the  Church  shall  cease  to  manifest  a  desire  to  seek  the 
Lord,  the  preacher  in  charge,  by  the  consent  of  the  local 
church  or  the  official  board,  may,  at  any  time,  after  per- 
sonal but  unsuccessful  labor  for  his  salvation,  drop  the 
name  of  such  seeker. 

Preacher" 8  Respoiisibility. 

9.  Any  preacher  refusing  or  neglecting  to  ask  the  fore- 
going questions,  except  in  the  case  of  children,  or  who  shall 
receirve  members  into  the  Church  in  violation  of  this  order, 
shall  be  answerable  for  the  same  to  the  conference  of 
which  he  is  a  member. 


Section  II. 

DUTIES  OF  MEMBERS. 

Means  of  Grace. 

1.  Every  member  shall  endeavor  to  lead  a  godly  life ; 
observe  the  ordinances  of  God's  house,  namely,  baptism  and 
the  remembrance  of  the  sufferings  and  death  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ ;  be  diligent  in  prayer,  particularly  in  private, 
and  for  his  own  edification  attend  our  prayer  meetings,  class- 
meetings,  and  meetings  for  public  worship. 

Family  Piety. 

2.  Heads  of  families  should  never  omit  to  pray  with 
their  families,  mornitig  and  evening,  and  to  set  them  a 
good  example  in  all  the  Christian  virtues. 

Singing. 

3.  It  is  the  duty  of  all  the  people  of  God  to  sing  his 
praises,  and  to  sing  them  in  the  great  congregation  as  well 
as  in  the  private  circle.  It  is  therefore  earnestly  advised 
that  all  our  people  cultivate  vocal  music  so  that  the  sing- 
ing in  our  congregations  may  be  improved.  As  a  help  to 
thiB  end,  let  all  our  people  provide  themselves  with  hymn- 
books  for  use  in  public  and  social  worship. 

Love  to  Others. 

4.  Every  one  should  strive  to  walk  as  in  the  presence 
of  God,  and  accustom  himself  to  a  close  communion  with 
God  in  all  his  employments.  He  should  never  speak  evil 
of  his  fellow  men,  but  practice  love  toward  friend  and  foe. 


22  DISCIPLINE 

do  good  to  the  poor,  and  endeavor  to  be  a  follower  of  Jesus 
Christ  indeed. 

Sahhath  Ohservance. 

5.  Every  one  shall  keep  the  Sabbath  day  holy,  as  re- 
quired in  the  Word  of  God  ;  neither  buy  nor  sell,  but  spend 
the  same  in  exercises  of  devotion,  in  reading  and  hearin? 
the  Word  of  God,  and  in  singing  spiritual  hymns  to  the 
honor  and  glory  of  God. 

Obedience  to  Government. 

6.  It  is  the  duty  of  every  member  to  lead  a  quiet, 
peaceable,  and  godly  life  among  men ;  as  it  becomes  a 
Christian  to  live  in  peace  and  be  subject  to  the  higher  or 
ruling  powers,   as  the  Word  of  God  requires. 

Sunday  Schools. 

7.  It  is  the  duty  of  our  members  to  encourage  our  Sun- 
day schools  by  their  presence,  and  always  to  give  them 
their  aid  and  influence. 

Young  People's  Society. 

8.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  young  members  of  the  Church 
to  join  the  Young  People's  society  and  by  faithfulness  to  its 
requirements  seek  to  develop  Christian  character  and  effi- 
ciency in  Christian  work. 

Support  of  the  Oospel. 

9.  It  is  the  duty  of  all  members  of  the  Church  to  pay  to- 
ward the  support  of  the  itinerant  ministry,  weekly,  monthly, 
or  quarterly,  in  proportion  to  their  ability,  as  God  has  pros- 
pered them  ;  for  the  Lord  hath  ordained  that  they  who  preach 
the  gospel  shall  live  of  the  gospel.  (I.  Cor.  9 :  14 ;  I.  Tim. 
5:18.)  It  is  earnestly  urged  that  all  our  people  practice 
the  Bible  method  of  weekly  contributions.  "Upon  the  first 
day  of  the  week  let  every  one  of  you  lay  by  him  in  store, 
as  God  hath  prospered  him."    (I.  Cor.  16:2.) 

Delinquent  Members. 

10.  Any  member  refusing  to  pay  toward  the  support  of 
the  Church  may  be  reported  by  the  steward  to  the  class  or 
official  board,  and,  if  refusal  is  persisted  in,  may  be  suspended 
or  expelled,  as  the  local  church  or  official  board  may  de- 
termine.    In  case  a  member  is  suspended,  all  his  privileges 


MEMBERS  23 

and  functions  as  a  member  of  the  Church  cease  during  such 
suspension. 

Support  of  General  Interests. 

11.  It  is  also  the  duty  of  all  our  members  to  contribute, 
according  to  their  ability,  to  the  support  of  the  various 
benevolent  interests  of  the  Church. 

Receiving  Ministers. 

12.  It  is  the  duty  of  all  districts,  stations,  circuits,  and 
missions  cheerfully  to  receive  the  preachers  appointed  by 
the  stationing  committees  of  the  respective  conferences. 

Care  of  the  Poor. 

13.  E'ach  member  of  our  Church  should  willingly  and 
freely  contribute  quarterly,  or  oftener  if  need  be,  as  God 
has  prospered  him  (I.  Cor.  16:2),  to  the  support  of  the 
helpless   poor. 

14.  When  it  is  known  by  any  of  our  class-leaders 
that  there  are  poor  members  of  the  class,  who  by  sick- 
ness, accident,  or  other  circumstances  have  been  brought 
to  want,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  leader  in  charge 
to  wait  upon  the  class,  or  to  appoint  some  one  to  do  so,  to 
ask  such  aid,  money,  clothing,  or  produce,  as  the  circum- 
stances may  require.  Should  any  one  class  be  unable  to 
relieve  its  poor,  this  shall  then  be  made  known  to  the  pas- 
tor, whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  inform  the  different  classes 
on  his  charge ;  and  if  iit  should  so  happen  that  any  one 
charge  should  be  unable  to  meet  the  wants  of  the  poor,  it 
shall  be  the  duty  of  the  conference  superintendent  to  present 
the  matter  to  the  quarterly  conferences  of  the  different 
charges,  so  that  the  unavoidably  poor  of  our  Church  may  be 
provided  for.     (I.  John  3 :  17 ;  Ps.  12:  1,  2.) 

Nonconformity  to  the  World. 

15.  Inasmuch  as  the  Lord  has  commanded  us  not  to  be 
conformed  to  this  world  (Rom.  12:2),  but  to  lay  apart  all 
tilthiness  and  superfluity  of  naughtiness  (Jas.  1:21),  and 
as  the  principles  of  the  Christian  religion,  as  taught  by 
both  the  precepts  and  example  of  the  meek  and  adorable 
Savior,  are  in  strict  and  perfect  accordance  with  these 
commandments,  we  therefore  humbly  beseech  and  admonish 
the  members  of  our  Church  to  observe  these  divine  precepts. 
"In    like    manner,    also,    that    women    adorn    themselves    in 


24  DISCIPLINE 

modest  apparel,  with  shamefacedness  and  sobriety ;  not 
witli  broidered  hair,  or  gold,  or  pearls,  or  costly  array ; 
but  (which  becometh  women  professing  godliness)  with 
good  works"  (I.  Tim.  2:9,  10)  ;  and  "whose  adorning  let 
it  not  be  that  outward  adorning  of  plaiting  the  hair,  and 
of  wearing  of  gold,  or  of  putting  on  of  apparel ;  but  let  it 
be  the  hklden  man  of  the  heart,  in  that  which  is  not  cor- 
ruptible, even  the  ornament  of  a  meek  and  quiet  spirit, 
which  is  in  the  sight  of  God  of  great  price''  (I.  Pet.  3: 
3.  4). 

Necessity  of  Union  Among  Ourselves. 

16.  Let  us  be  deeply  sensible  of  the  evil  of  a  di»vision  in 
principle,  spirit,  or  practice,  and  of  its  dreadful  conse- 
quences to  ourselves  and  others.  If  we  are  united,  what 
can  stand  before  us?  If  we  are  divided,  we  shall  injure 
ourselves,  the  work  of  God,  and  the  souls  of  men.  There- 
fore, 

(1)  Let  us  be  deeply  convinced  of  the  absolute  neces- 
sity of  union. 

(2)  Let  us  pray  earnestly  for  one  another,  and  speak 
truly  and  freely  to  one  another. 

(3)  When  we  meet,  let  us  not  part  without  prayer, 
if  prayer  is  at  all  practicable. 

(.4)  Let  us  take  great  care  not  to  despise  one  another's 
gifts. 

(5)     Let  us  never  speak  lightly  of  one  another. 

(0)  Let  us  defend  one  another's  character  in  every- 
thing, as  far  as  is  consistent  with  truth. 

(7)  Let  us  labor,  in  honor  each  preferring  another  be- 
fore himself. 

(8)  Let  us  seriously  examine  the  causes,  evils,  and 
cures  of  heart  and  church  divisions. 

Duty  of  Obedience, 

17.  The  foregoing  rules  are  drawn  up  for  the  better 
regulation  of  our  Church,  and  we  believe  that  they  are 
founded  upon  the  Word  of  God,  and  that  their  observance 
is  incumbent  upon  all  members.  Should  any  violate  or  habit- 
ually neglect  these  rules,  they  shall  be  admonished  to  refor- 
mation by  their  respective  class-leaders,  and  should  they 
not  reform,  they  shall  be  suspended  or  expelled,  as  the  case 
may  require,  by  vote  of  the  local  church  or  official  board. 


MEMBERS  25 

Section  III. 

TRIAL   OF   MEMBERS. 

Personal   Trespass. 

1.  When  members  trespass  against  one  another,  let  the 
following  directions  be  followed : 

''If  thy  brother  shall  trespass  against  thee,  go  and  tell 
him  his  fault  between  thee  and  him  alone ;  if  he  shall  hear 
thee,  thou  hast  gained  thy  brother.  But  if  he  will  not  hear 
thee,  then  take  with  thee  one  or  two  more  .  .  .  And 
if  he  shall  neglect  to  hear  them,  tell  it  unto  the  church ; 
but  if  he  neglect  to  hear  the  church,  let  him  be  unto  thee  as 
an  heathen  man  and  a  publican"  (Matt.  18:15-17);  that 
is,  he  shall  be  expelled  by  the  local  church  or  ofiicial  board. 

Immoral  Conduct. 

2.  In  case  of  a  member  accused  of  immoral  conduct, 
the  class  or  official  board  shall  appoint  one  or  more  to 
visit  the  accused  person,  and  if  possible  reclaim  him ;  but  if 
unsuccessful,  and  the  guilt  be  denied,  he  shall  be  tried  by  a 
committee  of  said  class  or  board  chosen  by  the  parties  con- 
cerned, with  the  preacher  in  charge  of  the  circuit  or  station 
as  chairman ;  and,  if  found  guilty,  the  accused  shall  be  ex- 
pelled unless  satisfaction  be  given.  If  the  accused  refuse 
to  choose  his  committeeman  when  properly  notified,  the 
quarterly  conference  shall  choose  a  second  pei'son,  and  these 
two  a  third,  which  committee  shall  try  the  case  and  de- 
cide. Yet  cases  may  occur  where  it  would  be  expedient 
to  choose  a  committee  from  some  other  class  or  classes 
than  the  one  to  which  ihe  parties  belong,  in  which 
case  it  shall  be  lawful  to  do  so.  Also,  an  elder  may  be 
chosen  as  chairman,  should  the  preacher  in  charge  deem 
this  to  be  best.  Should  any  member  be  dissatisfied  with  the 
decision,  an  appeal  may  be  had  to  the  quarterly  conference, 
by  giving  notice  thereof  to  the  preacher  in  charge,  or  sec- 
retary of  the  committee.  (See  Chapter  X.,  Section  I.)  In 
such  cases,  however,  the  same  persons  shall  not  sit  in 
judgment  on  the  same  case. 

Disobedience  to  the  Order  of  the  Church. 

3.  In  cases  of  neglect  of  duty  of  any  kind,  imprudent 
conduct,  indulging  sinful  tempers  or  words,  or  disobedience 
to  the  order  and  discipline  of  the  Church :  First,  let  pri- 
vate   reproof   be   given   by    the   preacher   or   leader ;    and   if 


26  DISCIPLINE 

there  be  an  acknowledgment  of  the  fault,  proper  hnmiliar 
tion,  and  a  promise  to  reform,  the  person  may  be  borne 
with.  On  a  second  offense,  the  preacher  or  leader  shall 
take  with  him  one  or  two  faithful  members.  On  a  third 
offense,  let  the  case  be  brought  before  the  local  church, 
official  board,  or  a  select  committee;  and  if  there  be  no 
satisfactory  humiliation,  the  off'ender  shall  be  expelled  by 
vote  of  the  local  church  or  official  board.  In  case  the 
accused  shall  deny  his  guilt  and  demand  a  trial,  and  there 
be  a  reasonable  doubt  or  question  about  his  guilt,  he  shall 
be  trtted  by  a  committee,  and,  if  found  guilty,  he  shall  be 
expelled.  In  case  of  trial  under  this  clause,  the  leader  shall 
act  in  behalf  of  the  local  church  ;  or,  if  the  leader  be  the 
offender,  the  steward  shall  act  as  prosecutor. 

Disputes. 

4.  In  case  of  a  dispute  between  members  or  preachers, 
the  preacher  to  whom  it  shall  be  known  shall  inquire  into 
the  circumstances  of  the  case,  and,  if  necessary,  shall  rec- 
ommend to  the  contending  parties  a  reference  to  a  com- 
mittee consisting  of  one  arbiter  chosen  by  the  plaintiff, 
and  another  by  the  defendant,  and  a  third  by  these  two ; 
then  these  three  are  to  decide.  But,  if  the  preacher  to 
whom  the  dispute  is  known  shall  refuse  or  neglect  to  act, 
then  the  quarterly  conference  shall  appoint  some  one  to 
carry  out  the  rule ;  and,  if  either  or  both  disputants  refuse 
to  choose  an  arbiter,  the  quarterly  conference  shall  appoint 
the  first  and  second,  and  these  two  a  third,  who  shall  hear 
the  case  and  decide. 

Right  of  Appeal. 

5.  Should  either  party  be  dissatisfied  with  the  decision, 
an  appeal  may  be  taken  to  the  next  quarterly  conference 
for  a  second  arbitration,  where  each  party  shall  choose  two 
arbiters,  and  the  four  shall  choose  a  fifth,  a  decision  of  a 
majority  of  whom  shall  be  final.  Any  member  refusing  to 
abide  by  this  decision  shall  be  expelled  without  further 
trial.  Members  of  the  church  or  congregation  who  are 
present  at  a  local  church  trial,  but  take  no  part  in  said 
trial,  are  not  disqualified  because  of  said  presence  from 
sitting  on  the  case,  if  an  appeal  is  taken  from  the  decision 
reached  by  said  church. 


MEMBERS  27 

Going  to  Law  Forbidden. 
t).  Any  member  refusing,  in  case  of  debt  or  dispute,  to 
refer  the  matter  to  arbitration  when  recommended  to  him 
by  a  preacher  or  leader,  or  who  shall  enter  into  lawsuit 
with  another  member  before  these  measures  are  taken, 
shall  be  dealt  with  as  in  case  of  other  immoralities,  ex- 
cept when  the  case  is  of  such  a  nature  as  to  require  and 
justify  a  process  at  law,  as  in  acting  as  administrators,  or 
when  a  member  is  in  danger,  by  delay,  of  suffering  a  loss 
of  property. 

Record  of  Trials. 

7.  A  faithful  record  of  the  proceedings  of  any  church 
trial  conducted  in  a  local  church  shall  be  kept  by  the 
church  clerk  in  a  book  provided  for  that  purpose ;  and  it 
shall  be  his  duty,  in  case  of  an  appeal,  to  furnish  his 
record  to  the  quarterly  conference. 

Order  in  Trials. 

8.  All  church  trials  shall  be  conducted  in  a  consistent 
Christian  manner,  without  the  employment  of  magistrates 
and  attorneys  to  administer  oaths  and  conduct  investiga- 
tions. 

Section  IV. 

TRANSFER   AND    WITHDRAWAL   OF   MEMBERS. 

Certificate  of  Transfer  of  Members. 

1.  When  a  member  of  our  Church  removes  from  one 
pastoral  charge  to  another,  he  shall  obtain  a  certificate  of 
transfer  by  a  majority  vote  of  the  membership,  or  oflBcial 
board,  of  the  local  church  of  which  he  is  a  member,  signed 
by  the  pastor,  or  if  there  is  no  pastor,  by  the  class-leader, 
the  certificate  to  be  in  the  form  of  No.  1,  Section  I.,  Chapter 
XXXII..  of  our  Book  of  Discipline. 

A  footnote  shall  be  subjoined  to  all  certificates  of  trans- 
fer, as  follows : 

Note. — This  is  not  a  letter  of  dismissal  from  our  Church, 
and  it  does  not  terminate  the  connection  of  the  member 
with  the  local  church  which  grants  the  transfer  until  it 
is  deposited  with  another  church. 

Transfer    of    'Non-Resident    Members. 

2.  In  case  any  member  of  our  Church  who  does  not 
reside  in  reach  of  a  local  church  shall  make  application  to 


28  DISCIPLINE 

the  pastor  for  a  certificate  of  transfer,  the  pastor  may  issue 
such  certificate  to  said  member  if  his  Christian  life  is  known 
to  be  good,  and  he  has  settled  all  his  church  dues,  subscrip- 
tions, and  assessments. 

Notice  of  Forwarding  Certificates. 

3.  The  pastor  who  issues  a  certificate  of  transfer  as 
provided  in  either  of  the  preceding  sections  shall,  if  prac- 
ticable, forward  such  certificate,  witth  proper  notice  and 
explanation  to  the  pastor  of  the  charge  to  which  the  mem- 
ber receiving  the  certificate  shall  remove.  In  case  we  have 
no  church  in  the  locality  to  which  a  member  removes,  the 
pastor  shall  report  the  name  to  the  conference  superintend- 
ent, or  bishop,  or  home  missionary  secretary. 

Notice  of  Reception  of  Members  on   Certificate. 

4.  When  a  pastor  shall  have  received  a  member  on  a  cer- 
tificate of  transfer,  he  shall  notify  the  pastor,  or  class-leader, 
of  the  local  church  from  which  it  was  issued,  and  said 
pastor,  or  leader,  shall  enter  on  the  church  record  opposite 
the  name  of  the  transferred  member,  the  words,  "Removed 
by  certificate  of  transfer." 

Certificate   of   Recommendation. 

5.  When  a  member  of  our  Church  shall  remove  from 
one  of  our  pastoral  charges  to  another,  and  shall  make 
application  to  the  pastor  for  a  letter  of  recommendaiion 
by  which  he  may  unite  either  with  one  of  our  local  churches 
or  with  another  evangelical  church,  said  member  may  be 
entitled  to  receive  such  certificate  of  recommendation  by  a 
majority  vote  of  the  membership,  or  official  board  of  the 
local  church  of  which  he  is  a  member,  signed  by  the  pastor, 
or,  if  there  is  no  pastor,  by  the  class-leader ;  provided,  that 
the  good  standing  of  said  member  is  evidenced  by  the  settle- 
ment of  all  his  church  dues,  subscriptions,  and  assessments, 
and  by  his  observance  of  the  rules  of  our  Church  pertain- 
ing to  the  "Duties  of  Members''  contained  in  Section  II., 
Chapter  IV.,  of  our  Discipline,  said  certificate  to  be  in 
the  form  of  No.  2,  Section  I.,  Chapter  XXXII.,  of  our 
Discipline. 

Limitation  of  Certificates. 
G.      A  certificate   issued  to   a  member  of  our  Church   as 
provided   in   either   of   the   preceding  sections   must  be  pre- 


MEMBERS  29 

sented  to  some  local  church,  or  returned  to  the  church  by 
which  it  was  granted,  within  eighteen  months ;  otherwise 
it  becomes  null  and   void. 

Amenability  of  Certified  Member. 

7.  A  member  receiving  a  certificate  of  transfer,  or  rec- 
ommendation, is  amenable  to  the  local  church  by  which  it 
was  granted  until  said  certificate  is  deposited  with  some 
other  local  church,  or  until  the  certificate  expires  by  limi- 
tation. 

Disposal   of   Delinquent   ^on-Resident   Members. 

8.  In  case  a  member  moves  from  a  pastoral  charge  and 
fails  to  report  to  the  local  church  of  which  he  is  a  mem- 
ber, at  least  once  each  conference  year,  he  may  be  marked 
"Removed  without  certificate." 

Certificate  of  Withdratval. 

9.  If  a  member  of  our  Church  desires  to  withdraw  from 
the  Church,  and  his  Christian  life  has  been  good,  and  he 
has  settled  all  his  church  dues,  subscriptions,  and  assess- 
ments, he  shall  be  entitled  to  a  certificate  of  honorable  with- 
drawal from  the  Church  by  a  majority  vote  of  the  member- 
ship, or  official  board  of  the  local  church  of  which  he  is 
a  member,  signed  by  the  pastor,  or,  if  there  is  no  pastor, 
by  the  class-leader,  said  certificate  to  be  in  the  form  of 
No.  3,  Section  I.,  of  Chapter  XXXII.,  of  our  Discipline. 

Membership  of  Preachers. 

10.  An  annual-conference  member  may  be  received  into 
a  class  on  his  ministerial  credentials,  provided  said  cre- 
dentials are  held  in  force  by  the  conference  to  which  he  is 
amenable. 

Membership  of  Preachers  Required. 

11.  All  quarterly-  and  annual-conference  preachers  are 
required  to  hold  membership  in  some  local  church  and 
upon  neglect  or  refusal  to  do  so  shall  lose  their  official 
relation. 


CHAPTER  V. 

Government  of  the  Church. 
Section  I. 

CLASSES. 

Local    Church    Organization. 

1.  A  local  church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ  may 
be  organized,  where  not  already  established,  by  any  regu- 
larly authorized  minister  or  missionary  of  the  denomination, 
who  shall  enroll  the  names  of  not  less  than  five  resident 
persons  in  a  book  of  record,  giving  to  each  the  right  hand 
of  fellowship,  and  causing  one  or  more  class-leaders  to  be 
elected  and  appointing  one  or  more  stewards.^ 

Division  into  Classes. 

2.  A  local  church  may  be  divided  into  two  or  more 
classes,  if  deemed  proper  to  do  so,  by  the  pastor  and  official 
board.  In  all  cases,  each  class  shall  elect  its  own  leader, 
near  the  close  of  each  official  year.  After  such  division  the 
word  "class"  shall  denote  only  a  sectiion  of  the  local  church. 

Disbanding  Classes. 

3.  When  a  quarterly  conference  deems  it  impracticable 
to  maintain  the  organization  of  a  church  in  any  place, 
the  remaining  members  shall  be  transferred  by  the  pastor  to 
such  class  as  they  may  desire. 

Section  II. 

class-leaders. 

Qualifications. 

1.   It  shall  be  the  leader's  duty  to  live  a  pious  life  and 

set   a   godly   example   before   his   class ;    carefully   to   study 


iNoTE. — Until  the  congregation  thus  constituted  becomes  so 
large  as  to  require  dividing  into  classes  or  sections,  for  pur- 
poses of  convenience  and  efficiency,  the  words  "church,"  "con- 
jjregation,"  and  "class"  shall  denote  the  same  aggregate  church 
•aembership. 

30 


GOVERNMENT  OF  THE  CHURCH  31 

the  Holy  Scriptures,  fully  qualifying  himself  for  the  faith- 
ful performance  of  his  duties  as  a  leader  and  counselor  of 
his   class. 

Holding  Meetings. 

2.  It  shall  be  his  duty  to  meet  his  class  in  class-meeting 
or  prayer-meeting  as  often  as  practicable,  to  speak  to  them 
concerning  their  spiritual  welfare,  and  to  exhort  them  to 
unity  and  love.  He  shall  extend  the  freedom  of  our 
prayer-  and  class-meetings  to  all  sincere  and  well-disposed 
persons  who  may  desire  to  attend  them. 

Visiting  the  Sick  and  Delinquent. 

3.  ^Vhen  any  of  his  members  are  sick,  or  delinquent  in 
the  performance  of  their  duties,  he  shall  visit  them  and 
labor  wnth  them  as  circumstances  may  require,  or  arrange 
for  some  one  else  to  do  so. 

Class  Record. 

4.  He  shall  keep  a  record  of  the  members  of  the  class, 
and  shall  make  regular  reports  of  his  work  and  the  condition 
of  his  class  to  the  official  board  and  quarterly  conference. 

Dismissal  for  Delinquency. 

5.  Any  class-leader  failing  to  discharge  these  duties 
may,  on  complaint,  be  removed  by  the  quarterly  confer- 
ence. 

Section  III. 

CLASS-STEWARDS. 

1.  Every  church  may  have  one  or  more  class-stewards, 
to  be  chosen  as  provided  for  in  Chapter  VII.,  Section  II., 
l)aragraph  4.  j(^.  ^  ( ^ 

Contrihutions   to  Budget. 

2.  All  members  shall  contribute  weekly,  through  en- 
velopes, to  the  local  budget.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the 
financial  secretary  to  receive  the  envelopes,  keep  a  correct 
record  of  names  and  amounts  paid,  and  report  the  same  to 
the  official  board  monthly.  He  shall  furnish  each  steward, 
at  the  end  of  each  month,  a  list  of  the  names  of  those  who 
are  delinquent  in  payment,  with  statement  of  the  amount 
due  from  each.  The  stewards  shall  then  endeavor  to  secure 
prompt  payment  of  any  deficits. 


32  DISCIPLINE 

lu  case  of  circuits,  where  weekly  services  are  not  held,  the 
contributions  to  the  local  budget  shall  approach  the  weekly 
method  as  nearly  as  possible.  The  stewards  shall  keep  an 
accurate  account  of  the  payments  made  by  their  respective 
lists  of  members,  and  shall  report  the  same  monthly  to  the 
financial  secretary,  who  shall  report  to  the  quarterly  con- 
ference. 

Elements  for  the  Lord's  Supper. 

3.  It  shall  also  be  the  duty  of  stewards  to  provide  the 
elements  for  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  always 
securing  unfermented  wine. 

Dismissal   for  Delinquency. 

4.  For  the  faithful  discharge  of  their  duties  as  stew- 
ards, they  shall  be  accountable  to  the  quarterly  confer- 
ence, which  shall  have  power  to  dismiss  them  for  official 
delinquency. 

Section  IV. 

CHURCH  DEACONS. 

Every  church  may  have  one  or  more  deacons,  who  shall 
be  elected  annually  by  vote  of  the  church.  The  duties  of 
a  deacon  shall  be  to  collect  funds  for  the  needy,  as  pro- 
vided for  in  Chapter  IV.,  Section  II.,  paragraph  14,  of  the 
Discipline,  under  Duties  of  Members,  and  disburse  the  same 
under  the  direction  of  a  committee  appointed  by  the  official 
board,  or,  where  the  local  church  board  is  not  organized, 
under  the  direction  of  the  pastor. 

Section  V. 

CHURCH    clerk. 

A  church  clerk  may  be  elected  by  the  local  church  or 
official  board,  who  shall  be  the  pastor's  clerical  assistant 
and  work  under  his  direction. 

Section  VI. 

official  boards. 

1.      The    properly    recognized    members    of    the    quarterly 

conference   shall    be    the    members    of    the   official    board    of 

each  local   church.      On   circuits   the   official    board   of  each 


GOVERNMENT  OF   THE  CHUBCU  33 

• 

church  shall  have  power  to  transact  its  business,  the  same 
as  the  oflBcial  boards  of  stations. 

2.  The  pastor  shall  be  the  president  of  the  board ;  in 
his  absence  one  of  the  members  shall  be  elected  president 
pro  tern.  The  sessions  shall  begin  and  close  with  devo- 
tional exercises. 

3.  The  board  shall  elect  a  secretary,  who  shall  keep  a 
record  of  its  proceedings. 

4.  The  financial  secretary,  elected  by  the  quarterly  con- 
ference, may  be  also  the  church  treasurer.  The  treasurer 
shall  receive  all  moneys  that  have  been  collected  from  class- 
stewards,  or  otherwise,  and  receipt  therefor,  and  said  treas- 
urer shall  pay  out  all  moneys  in  his  hands  as  the  official 
board  may  direct. 

5.  The  official  board  shall  receive  statements  of  all  sub- 
scriptions and  moneys  received  and  disbursed  for  the  in- 
terest of  the  local  church  ;  and  all  persons  intrusted  with 
moneys  or  subscriptions,  whether  trustees,  stewards,  the 
treasurer,  or  others,  shall  report  the  same  to  the  official 
meeting  as  soon  as  possible. 

6.  It  shall  receive  from  each  class-leader  a  statement 
in  reference  to  the  religious  condition  of  his  class. 

7.  The  official  boards  shall  be  the  estimating  committee 
of  the  charge,  unless  otherwise  specifically  ordered  by  the 
quarterly  conference,  as  provided  in  Chapter  V.,  Section  VII., 
paragraph  13 ;  and  said  committee  shall  meet  the  pastor  as 
soon  as  practicable  after  the  annual  conference,  and  make 
out  an  estimate  of  the  expenses  of  the  charge  for  the  year — 
the  preacher's  salary,  the  conference  superintendent's  salary, 
sexton  hire,  cost  of  light,  fuel,  insurance,  and  any  other 
ordinary  expenses  incident  to  the  year's  general  account. 
An  estimate  of  preacher's  salary  for  the  ensuing  year  may 
be  made  by  said  committee  prior  to  the  close  of  the  con- 
ference year.  It  shall  also  determine  how  these  funds  are 
to  be  secured — whether  by  assessments  or  subscription,  and 
whether  by  envelope  collections  made  weekly  or  by  the 
class-stewards,  or  both, — what  per  cent,  is  to  be  devoted  to 
the  salaries  of  the  preacher  and  the  conference  superintend- 
ent ;  and  what  per  cent,  to  the  current  expenses  of  the 
charge. 

8.  The  official  board  shall  revise  the  church  records,  as 
provided  in  Chapter  VII.,  Section  II.,  paragraph  3,  and  shall 
be  the  body  to  grant  transfers  and  dismissals  from  the 
Church. 


b^^ 


34  DISCIPLINE  , 

9.  The  oflScial  board  on  stations  shall  meet  once  a  month, 
and  on  circuits  at  the  call  of  the  pastor. 

10.  The  official  board  may  appoint  an  executive  council, 
of  which  the  pastor  shall  be  chairman,  to  act  for  the 
church  in  matters  committed  to  it. 

Review  hy  Quarterly  Conference. 

11.  The  acts  of  the  official  boards  shall  be  approved  by 
the  quarterly  conference. 


Section  VII. 

QUARTERLY   CONFERENCE. 

Members. 

1.  The  members  of  the  quarterly  conference  shall  be 
the  superintendent  of  the  district,  the  preacher  in  charge, 
and  all  properly  recognized  preachers,  deaconesses,  class- 
leaders,  class-stewards,  and  all  other  stewards  whose  ap- 
pointments have  been  ratified  by  the  quarterly  conference, 
presidents  of  Women's  Aid  societies,  church  clerks  properly 
recognized  by  the  church,  official  board,  or  quarterly  confer- 
ence, presidents  of  local  Women's  Missionary  associations, 
church  treasurers,  trustees  of  church  and  parsonage  houses, 
superintendents  of  Sunday  schools,  presidents  of  Young  Peo- 
ple's societies  organized  in  harmony  with  the  provisions  of 
Discipline,  superintendents  of  Junior  and  Intermediate  so- 
cieties when  similarly  organized,  presidents  of  Brotherhoods, 
all  treasurers  of  Women's  Aid  societies,  AVomen's  Missionary 
societies.  Young  People's  societies,  Sunday  schools,  Brother- 
hoods, and  Otterbein  Guilds,  when  said  persons  are  members 
of  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ  and  resi-de 
within  the  bounds  of  the  station  or  circuit,  or  hold  member- 
ship therein.  Such  members  as  are  present  at  any  regular 
meeting  shall  constitute  a  quorum  for  the  transaction  of 
business.  The  quarterly  conference  shall  open  and  close 
with  prayer.  The  quarterly  conference  shall  be  amenable 
to  the  annual  conference  for  its  official  acts. 

Duties   and   Powers. 

2.  In  the  absence  of  the  conference  superintendent,  the 
quarterly  conference  shall  elect  a  chairman  pro  tern.,  whose 
official  acts  shall  be  valid. 


GOVERNMENT  OF   THE  CHURCH  35 

3.  It  shall  elect  a  secretary,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to 
keep  a  correct  record  of  all  its  proceedings  in  a  book  pro- 
vided for  that  purpose,  in  which  the  names  of  all  the  mem- 
bers composing  the  said  conference  shall  be  entered. 

4.  It  shall  make  inquiry  into  the  moral  deportment  and 
official  character  of  all  its  members. 

5.  On  stations,  it  shall  elect,  at  the  last  quarterly  con- 
ference of  the  year,  one  or  more  church  treasurers. 

6.  It  shall  enforce  discipline  in  all  the  classes  under  its 
jurisdiction,  but  in  no  case  disorganize  a  class  unless  the 
preliminary  steps  have  been  taken  as  required  in  Chapter 
v..   Section   I.,  paraiiraph  o. 

7.  It  shall  hear  the  reports  of  the  stewards,  and  make 
settlements  with  the  pastor. 

Appeals  and  Trials. 

8.  It  shall  receive  and  try  all  appeals,  references,  and 
complaints  that  may  come  regularly  before  it ;  but  no  mem- 
ber of  quarterly  conference  can  be  suspended  or  expelled 
from  the   Church  prior  to  a  committee  trial. 

Licensing  Preachers. 

9.  It  shall  have  power  to  grant  license  to  preach  accord- 
ing to  the  provisions  of  Chapter  VI..  Ministry  of  the  Church. 

Renewing  Licenses. 

10.  It  sljall  renew  the  license  of  quarterly-conference 
preachers  annually,  if  they  are  found  worthy. 

Recommending  to  the  Annual  Conference. 

11.  The  quarterly  conference  may  recommend  to  tho 
annual  conference  licentiates  of  one  or  more  years'  stand' 
ing,  who  have  completed  the  course  of  reading  required. 

Financial  Secretaries. 

12.  The  quarterly  conference,  at  its  last  session  in  each 
year,  shall  elect  by  ballot  a  financial  secretary  for  the  charge, 
whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  assist  the  class-stewards  in  secur- 
ing the  local  budget,  and  to  receive  and  audit  the  stewards' 
reports. 

Circuit  Finance  Committee. 

13.  In  cases  of  circuits,  the  quarterly  conference  may, 
at  its  last  session  for  the  year,  appoint  a  finance  commit- 
tee,   which    committee    shall    meet   at    the    time    and    place 


36  DISCIPLINE 

specified  by  the  preacher  appointed  to  the  charge  for  the 
ensuing  year,  and  make  out  an  estimate  of  the  regular  ex- 
penses, including  the  conference  assessment  for  superintend- 
ent's salary,  and  apportion  the  same  to  the  different  ap- 
pointments according  to  their  respective  ability,  and  report 
the  same  to  the  quarterly  conference  for  ratification.  This 
committee  shall  also  serve  as  an  executive  committee  for  the 
quarterly  conference  during  the  year  in  all  matters  of 
finance. 

Apportionment  to  the  Menihcrs. 

14.  As  soon  as  convenient  after  each  class  has  received 
its  apportionment,  on  the  call  of  the  pastor,  the  oflacial 
members  shall  meet  and  make  a  distribution  of  the  appor- 
tionment, including  the  assessment  for  conference  superin- 
tendent, to  the  members  severally,  according  to  their  ability, 
to  be  paid  quarterly,  monthly,  or  oftener ;  provided,  however, 
that  it  shall  be  the  privilege  of  any  class  to  collect  the 
amount  apportioned  to  it  by  subscription  or  otherwise. 

Place  of  Meeting. 

15.  The  quarterly  conference  shall  determine  its  places 
of  meeting. 

Appeals. 

16.  Any  preacher  dissatisfied  with  the  decision  of  a 
quarterly  conference  shall,  within  thirty  days  after  the 
quarterly  conference,  notify  the  secretary,  in  writing,  of 
his  intention  to  appeal,  together  with  his  reasons  for  so 
doing;  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  secretary  to  take  or 
send  a  certified  copy  of  the  proceedings,  the  notification, 
and  reasons  assigned,  to  the  annual  conference. 

17.  In  all  cases  of  appeal,  whether  to  the  quarterly  or 
annual  conference,  or  to  the  court  of  appeals,  the  course 
prescribed  in  the  chapter  on  Appeals  is  the  proper  one  to 
be  pursued. 

Section  VIII. 

ANNUAL    CONFERENCE. 

Members. 
1.     The  annual  conference  shall  consist  of  all  elders  and 
licentiate  preachers,  who  have  been  duly  received,  and  one 
lay  delegate  from  each  charge  in   the  conference.     The  lay 


QOVEBNMENT  OF   THE  CHURCH  37 

delegate  shall  be  elected  by  ballot,  at  the  third  or  last  session 
of  the  quarterly  conference  in  the  year,  a  majority  of  all 
the  votes  cast  being  necessary  to  a  choice,  an  alternate  also 
shall  be  elected  at  the  same  time  and  in  like  manner. 

No  one  is  eligible  to  election  as  lay  delegate  who  holds  an 
annual-conference  license  to  preach,^  or  is  recommended  to 
the  annual  conference  for  license  to  preach. 

Lay  delegates  shall  have  all  the  rights  and  privileges  of 
ministers  in  the  annual  conference,  except  the  right  to  vote 
upon  the  reception  or  expulsion  of  preachers  and  the  pass- 
ing of  preachers  in  the  course  of  reading. 

Members  of  conference  boards  shall  also  be  granted  ad- 
visory seats.  The  conference  treasurer  also,  when  not  a 
minister  or  a  lay  delegate,  shall  be  given  an  advisory  seat. 

Bishop  Pro  Tempore. 

2.  If  no  bishop  should  be  present,  it  shall  be  the  duty 
of  the  annual  conference  to  elect  a  bishop  pro  tern.,  whose 
oflacial  acts  shall  be  valid. 

Devotions. 

3.  Suitable  devotional  exercises,  consisting  of  scripture 
reading,  singing,  and  prayer,  shall  be  held  at  the  opening 
and  closing  of  the  conference  sessions. 

Secretaries. 

4.  The  conference  shall  elect  by  ballot  one  or  more  sec- 
retaries, as  the  case  may  require,  who,  in  addition  to  dis- 
charging their  regular  duties  of  secretary,  shall,  immediately 
on  the  adjournment  of  the  annual  conference,  transmit 
to  the  publishing  agent,  at  Dayton,  Ohio,  a  true  transcript 
of  the  footings  of  the  conference  chart. 

Examinations. 

5.  All  preachers  shall  report  in  person  or  by  letter,  and 
be  examined  '  respecting  their  deportment  toward  their 
fellow-men,  whether  their  conduct  in  life  be  blameless, 
and  whether  they  employ  as  much  time  as  practicable  to 
promote  the  kingdom  of  God  (according  to  Titus  1:7-9  and 
II.  Timothy  2:15),  and  if  found  delinquent  they  shall  be 
admonished  or  advised,  as  the  case  may  require.  But 
should  all  admonition  or  advice  fail,  then  the  name  of  the 


^NoTE. — It  is  also  advised  by  the  General  Conference  that 
wives  of  annual-conference  ministers  be  not  chosen  as  lay 
delegates. 


38  DISCIPLINE 

delinquent  person  shall  be  erased  from  the  roll  of  the  con- 
ference. 

Absentees. 

6.  Should  any  member  of  the  annual  conference  absent 
himself  from  the  session  of  conference  three  years  in  suc- 
cession without  giving  a  satisfactory  reason  for  so  doing, 
his  name  may  be  erased  from  the  roll  of  the  conference. 

Electioneering  Forbidden. 

7.  No  preacher  or  layman  shall  be  permitted  to  elec- 
tioneer favorably  for  his  own  election  to  any  office  or  dele- 
gation in  the  church ;  and  should  any  one  be  found  doing 
so,  if  a  preacher,  he  shall  be  held  accountable  to  the  next 
annual  conference  of  which  he  is  a  member,  and  if  a  layman, 
he  shall  be  held  accountable  to  the  class,  to  be  dealt  with, 
each  according  to  the  judgment  of  said  conference  or  class. 

Authority  of  the  Annual  Conference. 

8.  An  annual  conference  may  adopt  rules  for  its  own 
government  not  in  conflict  with  the  Discipline  of  the 
Church. 

Benevolence  Funds. 

9.  The  annual  conference  shall  forward  to  the  general 
Church  treasurer  all  moneys  collected  by  the  conference  for 
all  general  benevolences,  and  in  no  case  can  these  funds  be 
diverted  to  conference  interests. 

Business  Sheet. 

10.  The  annual  conference  shall  transact  its  business 
according  to  a  business  sheet  prepared  by  the  board  of 
bishops. 

Section  IX. 

GENERAL  CONFERENCE. 

Members. 

1.  (See  Constitution,  Article  I.,  Section  1.) 

Conference  Representation. 

2.  The  annual  conferences  shall  be  represented  in  the  Gen- 
eral Conference  according  to  the  following  ratios : 

All  conferences  having  less  than  three  thousand  members 
shall  be  entitled  to  two  delegates,  one  ministerial  and  one 


GOVERNMENT  OF  THE  CHURCH  39 

lay ;  three  thousand  and  less  than  eight  thousand,  two  minis- 
terial and  two  lay  ;  eight  thousand  and  less  than  thirteen 
thousand,  three  ministerial  and  three  lay  ;  thirteen  thousand 
and  less  than  eighteen  thousand,  four  ministerial  and  four 
lay ;  eighteen  thousand  and  less  than  twenty-three  thousand, 
five  ministerial  and  five  lay ;  the  same  ratio  to  be  continued 
through  conferences  having  larger  numbers. 

All  general  officers  elected  by  the  General  Conference 
shall  be  advisory  delegates  at  large. 

The  number  of  delegates  from  foreign  mission  conferences, 
not  in  excess  of  the  above  ratios,  and  the  manner  of  their 
election  shall  be  determined  by  the  Foreign  Mission  board. 

Bishops'  Announcement. 

3.  The  board  of  bishops  shall  as  early  as  possible  an- 
nounce the  number  of  delegates  to  which  each  conference 
shall  be  entitled,  as  appearing  from  the  statistics  of  the 
annual  conferences  at  the  end  of  the  third  year  of  the 
quadrennial  term. 

Provided,  however,  that  at  the  following  annual  confer- 
ence, should  it  be  found,  after  the  statistical  secretary  has 
made  his  report,  that  the  number  of  members  in  the  con- 
ference at  that  time  would  change  the  number  of  delegates 
to  which  the  conference  is  entitled,  the  presiding  bishop 
shall  so  announce  to  the  conference,  and  the  conference  shall 
nominate  the  number  of  delegates  indicated  by  the  member- 
ship at  that  time. 

Nomination  of  Delegates. 

4.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  ministerial  members  of 
each  annual  conference  at  the  session  next  preceding  the 
election  for  delegates  to  General  Conference,  apart  from 
the  lay  delegates,  to  nominate  by  ballot  three  times  the 
number  of  ministerial  delegates  to  be  elected.  It  shall 
also  be  the  duty  of  the  lay  delegates,  in  separate  conven- 
tion, to  nominate  by  ballot  three  times  the  number  of  lay 
delegates  to  "be  elected.  In  both  cases  it  shall  require  a 
majority  of  all  the  ballots  cast  to  effect  a  nomination. 
This  provision  shall  not  be  construed  as  depriving  mem- 
bers of  the  right  to  vote,  if  desirous  of  doing  so,  for  other 
ministers  and  laymen  who  are  eligible. 

Annual-Conference  Tellers. 

5.  Each  annual  conference  shall  appoint  a  committee 
of  three  as  a  board  of  tellers  and  three  as  alternates,  to 


40  DISCIPLINE 

receive  and  publicly  count  the  votes,  and  issue  certificates 
of  election  to  those  receiving  the  highest  number  of  votes. 
It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  board  of  tellers  to  meet  before 
the  month  of  November  and  appoint  one  of  their  number 
secretary;  and  to  said  secretary  all  returns  of  boards  of 
election  shall  be  made;  and  the  said  secretary  shall  retain 
under  lock  and  key  all  such  reports  until  the  official  count 
is  made. 


Lists  of  Nominees  and  Blanks. 
0.  The  annual  conference  shall  also  furnish,  through 
its  recording  secretary,  to  each  preacher  in  charge  of  a 
field  of  labor  a  list  of  all  the  ministers  and  laymen  nomi- 
nated ;  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  each  conference  superin- 
tendent to  have  printed  in  convenient  form,  and  delitver  in 
due  time  to  each  pastor,  printed  tickets  containing  all  the 
names  of  all  nominees,  with  the  postoffice  addresses,  for  use 
in  the  election  of  delegates.  He  shall  also  furnish  to  each 
preacher  in  charge  on  his  district  blank  bills  of  election, 
which  shall  be  distributed  by  the  preachers  to  their  respec- 
tive boai-ds  of  election. 

Boards  of  Election. 

7.  The  leaders  and  stewards  of  each  local  church  shall 
constitute  a  board  of  election,  to  which  the  pastor  shall 
furnish  a  copy  of  the  list  of  persons  nominated.  The 
election  shall  be  held  invariably  between  November  15 
and  December  15  next  preceding  the  sitting  of  the  General 
Conference. 

8.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  board  of  election  of  each 
local  church  publicly  to  announce,  at  least  one  week  be- 
fore the  election,  a  meeting  of  the  members  of  said  church 
for  the  purpose  of  casting  their  ballots  for  delegates  to  rep- 
resent them  in  the  General  Conference. 

Absent  Voters. 

9.  Members  incapacitated  by  age,  affliction,  non-residence, 
or  other  unavoidable  circumstances,  and  ministers  absent  on 
their  charges,  may  send  their  ballots  containing  the  names  of 
their  choice,  with  their  own  names  signed  on  the  back  of 
their  ballots ;  provided,  that  no  votes  shall  be  counted  ex- 
cept those  cast  on  the  day  appointed  for  such  election. 


GOVERNMENT  OF  THE  CHURCH  41 

Election  Returns. 

10.  Each  board  of  election  shall  immediately  make  up 
the  bill  of  election,  sign,  enclose,  and  seal  it,  and  trans- 
mit it  to  the  secretary  of  the  board  of  tellers  appointed 
by  the  annual  conference,  stating  what  church,  circuit, 
mission,  -or  station  their  vote  represents.  It  shall  also 
keep  a  correct  copy  of  the  bill  sent  to  the  tellers ;  also  a 
list  of  the  names  of  all  the  members  voting,  and  also  the 
tickets  used  in  voting,  until  after  the  adjournment  of  the 
General  Conference,  when  they  may  be  destroyed. 

11.  Pastors  shall  be  required  to  see  that  forms  for  the 
election  of  delegates  are  properly  filled  out  and  the  re- 
turns of  their  charges  sent  in  ;  they  shall  be  held  amenable 
to  the  annual  conference  for  the  discharge  of  this  duty. 

Canvassing  and  Publication  of  Returns. 
V2..  The  annual  conference  board  of  tellers,  not  later 
than  the  third  week  in  January,  shall  make  out  a  list  of  all 
persons  voted  for,  and  of  the  number  of  votes  for  each ; 
and  should  any  two  or  more  of  the  candidates  have  an 
equal  number  of  votes,  the  tellers  shall  determine,  by  lot, 
which  of  them  is  elected.  The  board  shall  forward,  by  the 
twenty-fifth  of  January,  to  the  editor  of  the  Religious  Tele- 
scope for  publication,  the  names  and  postoffice  addresses  of 
those  elected.  It  shall  also  transmit  to  the  publishing 
agent,  at  Dayton,  Ohio,  a  complete  list  of  all  persons  voted 
for  and  the  number  of  votes  cast  for  each,  which  record  he 
shall  furnish  to  the  ensuing  General  Conference.  If  any 
one  of  those  elected  should  be  prevented  from  attending, 
by  death,  sickness,  or  otherwise,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the 
tellers  or  secretary  of  the  General  Conference  to  notify  the 
next  highest  on  the  bill  to  take  his  place  ;  other  vacancies 
shall  be  filled  in  like  manner,  descending,  if  need  be,  to  the 
last  candidate.  No  bills  of  election  received  by  the  tellers 
after  the  fifteenth  of. January  shall  be  counted. 

Contests. 
13.  In  case  of  contest  for  the  seat  of  any  delegate 
reported  elected  to  the  General  Conference  by  the  board  of 
tellers  of  his  conference,  the  secretary  of  the  conference  shall 
give  notice  to  the  contestee  in  writing  forty  days  before 
the  sitting  of  the  General  Conference,  in  which  charges  and 
specifications  shall  be  plainly  stated.  Any  person  failing  to 


42  DISCIPLINE 

give   such   notice   shall    forfeit  his   right    to   contest   in    the 
General  Conference. 

Location  and  Entertainment  of  the  General  Conference. 

14.  Arrangements  for  the  place  and  entertainment  of  the 
Genera]  Conference,  if  not  determined  at  its  session,  or  if 
satisfactory  arrangements  for  the  entertainment  and  care 
of  the  delegates  and  visitors  and  the  proper  expenses  for 
the  General  Conference  he  not  provided,  shall  be  referred 
with  full  power  to  act  to  the  agent  and  board  of  trustees  of 
the  printing  ostablishnient. 

15.  Said  board  shall  estimate  the  amount  required  for 
the  expenses  of  the  General  Conference,  including  traveling 
expenses  and  boarding  of  delegates  and  bishops,  and  shall 
report  the  same  to  the  general  Board  of  Administration,  who 
shall  equitably  apportion  the  same  among,  and  report  the 
same  to,  the  annual  conferences  early  in  the  first  year  of  the 
quadrennium  next  preceding  the  sitting  of  the  General  Con- 
ference ;  said  apportionments  shall  be  by  each  annual  con- 
ference apportioned  to  each  charge  in  the  conference,  and 
the  pastors  required  to  collect  and  turn  over  the  same  to  the 
conference  treasurer  at  the  close  of  the  year,  and  the  con- 
ference treasurer  shall,  as  soon  as  the  apportionment  is  all 
collected,  send  said  amount  to  the  general  Church  treasurer 
at  Dayton,  Ohio. 

16.  This  money  shall  be  known  as  the  General  Confer- 
ence expense  fund,  and  shall  be  distributed  among  the 
delegates  and  bishops  in  proportion  to  their  traveling  ex- 
penses by  the  most  direct  route  to  and  from  the  seat  of 
the  General  Conference,  and  shall  itnclude  their  board  and 
lodging  during  the  sessions  of  the  conference ;  provided, 
however,  that  if  any  conference  shall  fail  to  raise  the  full 
amount  of  its  -apportionment,  said  Conference  delegation 
shall  receitve  from  said  fund  in  proportion  to  the  amount 
raised  by  the  conference. 

Examination   of  Annual   Conferences. 

17.  The  General  Conference  may  examine  the  adminis- 
tration of  each  annual  conference,  whether  it  has  strictly 
observed  the  rules  and  preserved  the  moral  and  doctrinal 
principles   of   the   Discipline    in   all   its   transactions. 


GOVERNMENT  OF  THE  CHURCH  43 

Election  of  Officers. 

18.  In  the  election  of  all  the  oflBcers  of  the  General  Con- 
ference, a  majority  of  all  the  votes  shall  be  necessary  to  a 
choice. 

Boards  of  Trustees. 

19.  The  trustees  of  the  general  Church  boards  shall  be 
divided  into  two  equal  classes,  elected  at  alternate  General 
Conferences  for  a  term  of  eight  years.  In  case  of  an  odd 
number  of  trustees,  the  two  classes  shall  be  as  nearly  equal 
as  possible.  The  members  of  these  shall  be  composed  as 
nearly  as  possible  of  an  equal  number  of  ministers  and  lay- 
men. 

20.  If  the  board  of  trustees  of  any  of  our  Church  in- 
stitutions shall,  on  account  of  removals,  or  otherwiee,  at 
any  time  not  have  the  number  of  members  required  by  the 
charter  of  such  institutions  to  be  selected  from  a  particular 
State,  said  board  shall  be  authorized  to  supply  said  de- 
ficiency by  the  selection  of  additional  trustees. 

21.  In  the  event  of  a  vacancy  occurring  in  any  of  the 
secretaryships  constituted  by  the  General  Conference,  the 
board  of  that  department  shall  fill  the  place.  Should  a 
vacancy  occur  in  any  General  Conference  position  where 
no  board  is  empowered  to  fill  the  place,  such  authority  shall 
be  vested  in  the  Board  of  Administration. 

Meetings. 

22.  The  General  Conference  shall  convene  in  regular  ses- 
sion on  the  second  Thursday  of  May,  and  in  special  session 
upon  the  call  of  the  board  of  bishops. 

23.  The  quadrennium  shall  begin  upon  the  adjournment 
of  the  General  Conference  and  the  tenure  of  office  of  all 
general  officers,  secretaries,  and  members  of  boards,  shall 
take  effect  upon  said  adjournment ;  provided,  that  officers 
shaU  have  until  July  1  thereafter  to  make  inventory,  settle 
their  accounts,  and  arrange  their  work. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

Ministry  of  the  Church. 

Section  I. 

QUARTERLY-CONFERENCE    PREACHERS. 

How  Licensed. 

1.  Any  person  desiring  a  license  to  preach,  must  obtain 
from  the  class  of  which  he  is  a  member,  by  a  two-thirds 
vote  of  the  members  present  at  any  regular  meeting  of  the 
congregation,  a  recommendation  in  writing,  signed  by  the 
leader  or  preacher  in  charge,  to  the  quarterly  conference  of 
the  charge  to  which  he  belongs ;  provided,  however,  that  no 
one  shall  be  given  license  who  has  not  passed  the  Teacher- 
Training  Course,  or  its  full  equivalent,  and  whose  educa- 
tional attainments  are  not  equivalent  to  the  completion 
of  a  public  school  course  half  way  through  the  standard 
high-school  grade,  or  to  the  completion  of  half  the  standard 
academic  course  necessary  to  entering  the  freshman  class 
of  a  standard  college,  and  who  has  not  expressed  his  pur- 
pose to  make  the  ministry  his  life  work,  and  can  give  satis- 
factory evidence  of  his  call,  religious  experience,  soundness 
of  doctrine,  and  attachment  to  the  Church  and  its  govern- 
ment. The  person  making  application  shall  be  examined  by 
the  quarterly  conference,  and  the  following  questions  shall  be 
asked  by  the  chairman : 

2.  (1)  Do  you  believe  our  Confession  of  Faith  as  set 
forth  in  our  Book  of  Discipline? 

(2)  Have  you  now  peace  with  God  through  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ? 

(3)  What  is  your  motive  in  desiring  permission  to 
preach  the  gospel? 

(4)  Are  you  satisfied  with  our  Church  government? 

(5)  Will  you  submit  yourself  to  the  counsel  of  your 
brethren  ? 

(6)  What  is  your  knowledge  of  depravity,  of  redemp- 
tion, of  faith,  of  repentance,  of  justification,  of  regenera- 
tion, and  of  sanctification  ? 

(7)  What  is  your  educational  preparation  for  the  work 
of  the  ministry? 

44 


MINISTRY  OF  THE  CHURCH  45 

3.  It  shall  be  the  privilege  of  the  chairman  to  ask  any 
other  question  or  questions  that  he  may  deem  necessary. 

4.  Persons  divorced,  except  on  scriptural  grounds,  shall 
not  be  granted  license. 

5.  No  person  who  uses  tobacco  in  any  form  shall  be 
granted  a  license  to  preach. 

6.  When  a  preacher  from  another  church  comes  to  us 
with  a  certificate  of  good  standing  in  the  church  in  which 
he  has  held  membership,  and  gives  satisfaction  to  the 
quarterly  conference  concerning  his  agreement  on  the  doc- 
trines, discipline,  government,  and  usages  of  our  Church, 
the  quarterly  conference  may  receive  him. 

Course  of  Study. 

7.  A  quarterly-conference  preacher  is  required  to  pur- 
sue the  course  of  study  prescribed  in  our  Book  of  Dis- 
cipline, and  to  be  examined  by  the  conference  superintend- 
ent and  pastor  at  the  fourth  quarterly  conference. 

Note. — For  exception  to  this  article,  see  Chapter  VI., 
Section  II.,  paragraph  7. 

Renetcal  of  License. 

8.  The  license  of  a  quarterly-conference  preacher  is  sub- 
ject to  renewal  annually,  at  the  discretion  of  the  quarterly 
conference,  provided,  however,  that,  when  the  course  of 
study  required  has  been  taken,  he  shall  be  excused  from 
further  examination,  and  shall  hold  his  license  subject  to 
the  discretion  of  the  quarterly  conference. 

Recommendation  to  Annual  Goyiference. 

9.  After  a  quarterly-conference  preacher  has  stood  in 
that  relation  at  least  one  conference  year,  or  longer  at  the 
discretion  of  the  quarterly  conference,  it  may  recommend 
him  to  the  annual  conference,  and  if  not  received  he  shall 
sustain  his  foi-mer  relation.  The  recommendation  shall  be 
signed  by  the  secretary  of  the  quarterly  conference  and  the 
conference  superintendent. 

Section  II. 

ANNUAL-CONFERENCE    PREACHERS. 

How  Received. 
1.      Any   person    proposed  as   a  preacher   shall   be   exam- 
ined by  the  annual  conference,  or  a  select  committee  there- 
of, and  the  following  questions  shall  be  asked  him  : 


4G  DISCEPLINE 

Preacher's  Examination. 

2.  (1)  Have  you  known  God  in  Christ  Jesus  to  be  a 
sin-pardoning  God? 

(2)  Have  you  now  peace  M'ith  God,  and  is  the  love  of 
God  shed  abroad  in  your  heart  by  the  Holy  Spirit? 

(3)  Do  you  believe  the  Bible  to  be  the  word  of  God, 
and  that  therein  is  contained  the  only  true  way  to  our  sal- 
vation? 

(4)  What  foundation  have  you  for  such  belief? 

(5)  Are  you  endeavoring  by  the  grace  of  God  to  live  a 
holy  life? 

(6)  What  is  your  motive  for  desiring  permission  to 
preach  the  gospel? 

(7)  Do  you  believe  that  man,  apart  from  the  grace  ot 
our  Loid  Jesus  Christ,  is  fallen  from  original  righteous- 
ness, and  is  not  only  entirely  destitute  of  holiness,  but  is 
inclined  to  evil,  and  only  evil,  and  that  continually ;  and 
that  except  a  man  be  born  again  he  cannot  see  the  king- 
dom of  heaven? 

(8)  What  is  your  knowledge  of  redemption,  of  faith, 
of  repentance,  justificat'Jon,  regeneration,  and  sanctificationV 

(9)  Does  your  own  salvation,  and  the  salvation  of  your 
fellow  men,  lie  nearer  to  your  heart  than  all  other  things 
in  the  world? 

(10)  Will  you  subject  yourself  to  the  counsel  of  your 
brethren  in  the  liord? 

(11)  Are  you  satisfied  with  our  Church  government? 

(12)  Are  you  willing,  as  much  as  is  in  your  power,  to 
assist  in  upholding  our  itinerant  plan? 

Educational  Requirements. 

3.  (1)  Educational  attainments  equivalent  to  the  com- 
pletion of  a  standard  academy  or  a  standard  high-school 
course  of  four  years  are  required  for  admission  to  the  annual 
conference.  (2)  The  foregoing,  in  addition  to  the  comple- 
tion of  the  quarterly-  and  annual-conference  courses  of  study, 
are  required  for  ordination.  (3)  The  ideal  preijaration  for 
effective  work  in  the  ministry  is  a  full  college  course,  fol- 
lowed by  a  theological  course,  to  which  standard  we  earn- 
estly urge  our  young  ministers  to  aspire. 

Qualifications  of  Applicants. 

4.  No  one  shall  be  admitted  to  the  annual  conference 
without  having  a  recommendation   from   the  quarterly   con- 


MINISTRY  OF  THE  CHURCH  47 

ference  and  then  shall  be  received  on  probation  only. 
Neither  shall  any  one  be  admitted  who  has  not  met  the 
educational  requirements. 

5.  Persons  divorced,  except  on  scriptural  grounds,  shall 
not  be  granted  license  to  preach. 

6.  No  person  shall  be  granted  Iicen.«e  to  preach  the  gos- 
pel who  uses  tobacco  in  any  form.  The  license  of  any 
preacher  who  uses  tobacco,  may,  upon  proper  evidence,  be 
revoked  by  the  annual  conference. 

Exemption  from  Examination. 

7.  Any  person  pursuing  the  quarterly-conference  or  an- 
nual-conference course  of  study  who  presents  a  certificate  to 
the  effect  that  he  has  completed  branches  or  books  contained 
in  the  courses  in  the  Discipline,  at  any  of  our  schools,  or 
at  schools  whose  standard  of  excellence  is  acceptable  to 
the  parties  conducting  the  examination  on  behalf  of  the 
Church,  said  certificates  shall  preclude  the  necessity  for 
further  examination  in  the  branches  or  books  which  havft 
been  completed  as  evidenced  by  said  certificates. 

Sacraments   and   Unordained   Preachers. 

8.  Unordained  annual-conference  preachers  who  are  en- 
gaged in  the  active  work  of  the  ministry  and  who  are 
regularly  and  industriously  pursuing  their  courses  of  study, 
may  be  permitted  by  their  annual  conferences  to  administer 
the  sacraments  of  the  Church. 

An  Expelled  Preacher. 

9.  When  a  preacher  or  elder  has  been  expelled,  or  with- 
draws, from  an  annual  conference,  he  shall  not  be  received 
into  another  conference  without  the  consent  of  the  confer- 
ence with  which  he  was  formerly  connected. 

Preacher^ 8  Transfer. 

10.  A  preacher  or  elder  who  has  labored  in  the  bounds 
of  an  annual  conference  other  than  the  one  to  which  he 
belongs  for  two  years,  shall  bo  required  to  obtain  a  trans- 
fer from  the  conference  to  which  he  belongs  and  to  unite 
with  the  conference  in  whose  bounds  he  labors,  or  to  re- 
turn to  his  own  conference  for  work ;  provided,  that  presi- 
dents and  professors  of  schools  and  colleges,  students  in 
our  institutions  of  learning,  and  others  engaged  in  general 
church  work,  shall  be  exempt  from  this  requirement. 


48  DISCIPLINE 

11.  A  preacher  removing  from  one  conference  to  an- 
other shall,  when  he  applies  to  the  latter  for  admission, 
produce  a  transfer  from  the  former,  signed  by  the  presid- 
ing officer  and  secretary. 

Limit  of  Transfer. 

12.  Any  preacher  who  receives  a  transfer  is  required 
to  present  said  transfer  to  another  conference,  or  to 
return  it  to  the  conference  by  which  it  was  issued,  within 
two  years  after  its  date.  Otherwise  the  transfer  shall  be 
null  and  void,  and  it  shall  be  published  that  said  preacher 
no  longer  has  ministerial  standing  in  our  Church. 

Accountaltility    of    Transferred    Preachers. 

13.  Any  preacher  receiving  a  transfer  shall  be  a  membt-i 
of  the  quarterly  conference  in  whose  bounds  he  may  reside, 
and  shall  also  be  accountable  for  his  moral  and  official 
conduct  to  the  annual  conference  granting  said  transfer, 
until  his  transfer  be  received  by  the  conference  to  which 
he  has  been  transferred. 

Section  III. 

RECEPTION    OF    PREACHERS    FROM    OTHER    CHURCHES. 

When  a  preacher  from  another  church  comes  to  us  with 
a  certificate  of  good  standing  in  the  church  in  which  he 
has  held  membership,  or  with  a  transfer  from  a  confer- 
ence, presbytery,  or  synod,  and  gives  satisfaction  to  the 
annual  conference  concerning  his  agreement  on  the  doc- 
trines, discipline,  government,  and  usages  of  our  Church, 
the  conference  may  receive  him,  provided  he  comes  with  the 
same  educational  qualifications  required  of  the  preachers  of 
our  own  denomination.  If  he  be  an  ordained  elder  he  must 
pass  the  examination  required  of  candidates  for  elders' 
orders,  but  he  may  be  exempt  from  reordination. 

Section  IV, 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    THE     MINISTRY. 

Classes. 
1.     The  ministry  of  the  Church  shall  be  classified  accord- 
ing  to  the   following  order :      First,   as   licentiates ;    second, 
as   elders;    third,    as    itinerants    (active,    superannuated,    or 
supernumerary). 


MINISTRY  OF  THE  CHURCH  49 

Licentiates. 

2.  Licentiates  are  ministers  who  have  received  annual- 
conference  license,  but  have  not  yet  been  ordained. 

Elders. 

3.  Elders  are  ministers  who  have  been  ordained  in  ac- 
cordance with  the  provisions  of  Section  V.,  of  this  chapter. 

Itinerants. 

4.  Itinerants  are  annual-conference  ministers  who  have 
been  regularly  received  into  the  itinerancy.  They  may  be 
active,   superannuated,   or  supernumerary. 

(1)  Active  Itinerants  are  those  who  are  engaged  in  the 
active  ministry  of  the  Church. 

(2)  Superannuated  Itinerants  are  those  who  from  age  or 
physical  infirmities  are  unable  to  pursue  the  regular  work 
of  the  ministry. 

(3)  Supernumerary  Itinerants  are  those  for  whom  the 
conference  and  the  Church,  for  the  time  being,  are  not  able 
to  furnish  ministerial  work,  or  who  by  theiir  own  request, 
or  otherwise,  have  been  given  such  relation. 

Glass — Hoiv  Determined. 

5.  The  annual  conference  shall  determine  to  which  of 
the  foregoing  classes  each  minister  shall  belong.  Should 
an  itinerant  leave  in  an  irregular  way  the  work  assigned 
him,  he  shall  forfeit  his  standing  as  an  itinerant  and  shall 
surrender  his  credentials. 

Evangelists. 

6.  No  preacher  shall  be  recognized  as  an  evangelist  un- 
less he  is  so  authorized  by  the  annual  conference  to  which 
he  belongs  or  by  the  general  Commission  on  Evangelism.  He 
shall  report  his  work  annually  to  his  conference. 


Section  V. 

ELDERS. 

1.  After  a  probation  of  four  years,  a  licentiate  preacher 
may  be  presented  to  the  annual  conference  for  elder's  or- 
ders ;  whereupon  the  bishop  shall  propose  to  the  conference 
the  following  questions : 


50  DISCIPLINE 

Questions    Regarding    a    Candidate. 

2.  (1)      Is  he  blameless   touching  the  marriage  state? 

(2)  Is  his  deportment  in  the  social  circle  marked  with 
watchful  sobriety? 

(3)  Is  he  hospitable  toward  the  aflSicted  and  needy? 

(4)  Is  he  faithful  in  the  public  ministration  of  God's 
word,  and  diligent  in  reading  and  study? 

(5)  Is  his  household  subject  to  rules  of  piety? 

3.  Should  the  foregoing  questions  be  answered  in  the  af- 
firmative, a  committee  of  three  or  five  elders  shall  be  ap- 
pointed, before  whom  the  candidate  shall  appear  and  pass  an 
examination  on  the  subjects  suggested  by  the  following 
questions : 

Committee  Examination. 

4.  (1)  What  are  your  reasons  for  believing  the  Bible 
to  be  the  word  of  God? 

(2)  What  proofs  can  you  give  of  the  fall  of  man  by 
transgression  ? 

(3)  What  evidences  can  you  give  of  the  redemption  of 
man  by  Jesus  Christ? 

(4)  Do  you  believe  in  the  deity  of  Jesus  Christ? 

(5)  What  foundation  have  you  for  such  a  belief? 

(6)  Do  you  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost  as  presented  in 
our  Confession  of  Faith? 

(7)  Upon  what  evidence  do  you  believe  this? 

(8)  Do  you  believe  the  doctrine  of  the  future  state  as 
set  forth  in  our  Confession  of  Faith? 

Duties  of  the  Committee. 

5.  The  committee  shall  have  the  right  to  propose  any 
question  touching  the  answers  given,  if  said  answers  should 
be  unsatisfactory.  It  shall  also  be  its  duty  to  prepare, 
sign,  and  deliver  to  the  conference  a  report  of  each  case 
which  may  have  been  before  it. 

Election  to  Elders'  Orders. 
G.     If  the  committee  finds  the  candidate  worthy,  he  may  be 
elected   to    ordination    by    a    majority   of   the   elders   of   the 
conference. 

The  Ordination  of  Licentiates. 
1.     Licentiates   who    have   served    their   probation    in    the 
annual    conferences    and    have    completed    their    courses    of 


MINISTRY  OF  THE  CHURCH  51 

study  and  preparation  for  the  exercise  of  the  full  functions 
of  the  ministry,  sh^ll  be  given  ordination  by  the  bishops 
at  the  annual  conferences,  and  at  such  other  times  and 
places  as  circnmstauces  and  needs  may  require.  In  the 
absence  of  the  bishop,  an  elder  who  is  acting  regularly  in 
the  place  of  the  bishop  may  conduct  the  ordination  service. 

Functions  of  an  Elder. 
8.  The  functions  of  an  elder  are  to  preach  the  gospel,  to 
administer  the  sacraments  of  baptism  and  the  Lord's  Sup- 
per, to  solemnize  marriages,  to  perform  all  parts  of  divine 
ser\'ice,  to  be  an  example  to  others  by  himself  following  the 
Savior's'  example ;  and  in  a  very  special  manner  it  shall 
be  the  duty  of  an  elder  to  cherish  and  encourage  young 
ministers,  and  always  to  be  looking  for  those  whom  God 
has  called  to  preacli,  encouraging  them  in  making  the  fullest 
possible  preparation  for  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry. 


Section  YI. 

conference  superintendents. 
Their  Election. 

1.  Each  annual  conference  shall  have  one  or  more  super- 
intendents who  shall  be  elected  annually  by  ballot,  a  major- 
ity  being  necessary    to   an   election. 

Council  of  Administration. 

2.  Each  annual  conference  having  one  superintendent 
may  also  elect  an  advisory  board,  to  be  known  as  the 
council  of  administration,  consisting  of  two  ministers  and 
two  laymen,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  meet  with  the  con- 
ference superintendent  quarterly  and  review  the  work  and 
administration  of  pastors,  and  advise  with  tlie  conference 
superintendent  concerning  all  the  administrative  work  of 
the  conference. 

Blank  Reports. 
o.     For  the  use  of  conference  superintendents  and  coun- 
cils of  administration  a  uniform  system  of  blanks  shall  be 
prepared  for  quarterly  reports  of  pastors. 

Report   to   the   Bishop. 
4.     Each  conference  superintendent  shall  make  a  quarterly 
report  to  his  bishop,  giving  an  exhibit  of  the  work  of  thr 


52  DISCIPLINE 

quarter  by  charges,  alphabetically  arranged,  together  with 
such  other  matters  of  interest  as  will  enable  the  bishop  to 
give  the  best  possible  oversight  to  all  the  activities  of  tho 
Church  throughout  his  district. 

Support  of  Conference  Superintendents. 
5.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  several  annual  conferences 
to  make  such  regulations  for  the  support  of  superinteiidents 
as  they  think  best. 

Duties  of  the  Conference  Superintendent. 

G.      The    duties    of    a    conference    superintendent    are    to 

superintend  the  work  of  the  conference,  to  preacii  as  often 

as   practicable,    give    careful    attention    to    evangelism,    and 

look  after  all  of  the  general  interests  of  the  denomination. 

7.  He  shall  appoint  quarterly  conferences  and  attend 
them  when  practicable.  He  shall  counsel  with  his  pastors 
faithfully  and  offer  them  every  assistance  within  his 
power.  He  may  call  extra  sessions  of  the  quarterly  confer- 
ence. 

8.  The  conference  superintendent  shall  earnestly  en- 
deavor to  arouse  the  membership  of  the  Church  to  a  more 
uniform  performance  of  their  duties  as  to  a  minimum  salary 
of  eight  hundred  dollars  and  parsonage  on  each  charge,  and 
shall  suggest  the  most  practicable  means  for  securing  the 
same. 

9.  At  the  last  quarterly  conference  of  each  year,  the 
conference  superintendent  shall  examine  the  boards  of  trus- 
tees of  church-houses  and  parsonages  as  to  their  having  pro- 
cured articles  of  incorporation  according  to  the  laws  of  the 
State  and  the  regulations  of  the  Church,  and  shall  give  such 
instructions  as   may  be  necessary. 

10.  Each  superintendent  shall  make  a  report  of  his  dis- 
trict in  writing,  annually,  to  the  annual  conference. 

Vacancies. 

11.  Should  any  conference,  through  death,  resignation,  or 
otherwise,  be  without  a  superintendent,  information  shall 
be  immediately  given  to  the  bishop,  who  shall  appoint  a 
superintendent  in  said  district  until  the  ensuing  annual 
conference. 

Power  to  Exchange  Pastors. 

12.  Should  it  become  desirable  to  exchange  the  pastors 
of  two  charges  in  a  conference,  the  superintendent  may,  in 


MINISTRY  OF  THE  CHURCH  53 

conjunction  with  two  elders,  preachers,  or  leaders  (one  from 
each  charge),  change  said  pastors. 

Poicer  to  Dismiss  Pastors  and  Fill   Vacancies. 

13.  The  superintendent  may,  in  conjunction  with  the 
quarterly  conference,  dismiss  a  pastor  from  his  charge  for 
IneflBciency  or  neglect  of  duty. 

14.  It  shall  be  his  duty  to  fill  all  vacancies  in  the  pas- 
torates of  the  conference. 


Section  VII. 

BISHOPS. 

Election  of  Bishops. 

1.  Bishops  of  the  Church  shall  be  elected  every  four 
years  by  the  General  Conference. 

Salaries  of  Bishops. 

2.  The  General  Conference  shall  fix  the  salaries  of  the 
bishops,  which  shall  be  included  in  the  general  budget  of  the 
denomination. 

Districts  of  Bishops. 

3.  The  assignment  of  bishops  to  their  respective  districts 
shall  be  made  by  a  committee  of  three  from  each  district, 
to  be  chosen  by  the  delegates  of  the  district  assembled  for 
that  purpose.  Each  bishop  shall  reside  within  the  bounds 
of  the  district  to  which  he  iis  assigned.  This  item  shall  not 
apply  to  the  bishop  of  a  foreign  district. 

Duties  of  Bishops. 

4.  The  bishops  of  the  Church  shall  preside  over  the 
General  and  annual  conferences,  fix  and  announce  the 
dates  of  the  annual  conferences,  and  have  general  super- 
vision and  direction  of  the  varied  interests  and  institutions 
of  the  denomination.  They  shall  also  seek  to  promote  unity 
and  continuity  in  the  administrative  activities  of  super- 
intendents And  pastors  throughout  the  Church,  and  see  to  it, 
as  far  as  may  be  practicable,  that  all  the  provisions  of  the 
Discipline  are  faithfully  observed ;  they  shall  report  annual- 
ly in  the  Church  press  the  condition  and  progress  of  the 
Church  in  their  respective  districts,  and  make  a  quadrennial 
report  to  the  General  Conference.  They  shall  also  deliver 
suitable  sermons  and  addresses  to  their  respective  annual 
conferences. 


54  DISCIPLINE 

The  Board  of  Bishops. 
5.  The  bishops  shall  hold  annual  meetings,  at  which  time 
they  shall  decide  questions  of  Church  Discipline,  adopt  and 
recommend  policies  of  administration  for  the  promotion  of 
the  institutions  and  enterprises  of  the  denomination.  They 
shall  present  a  quadrennial  address  to  the  General  Confer- 
ence with  such  a  review  of  the  work  and  achievements  of 
the  Church  during  the  quadrennium,  and  with  such  recom- 
mendations as  they  may  deem  expedient  and  helpful  to  the 
Church.  They  shall  also  have  the  authority  to  appoint 
special  days  to  be  observed  in  the  interest  of  worthy  causes. 

Superintendents*  Association. 
G.  The  bishop  of  any  district  may  call  together,  annually, 
the  superintendents  of  his  district,  at  some  suitable  place, 
for  the  purpose  of  consultation  aud  planning  for  the  pro- 
motion of  the  interests  of  the  Church.  The  bishop  shall 
be  chairman  ex  officio  of  this  gathering,  and  shall  direct  in 
the  organization  of  an  association  which  shall  have  a  vice- 
president,  a  secretary-treasurer,  and  such  other  oflBcers  and 
committees  as  may  be  desired.  Each  annual  conference 
represented  within  the  district  shall  be  entitled  to  one  vote 
in  all  business  transactions.  The  annual  conferences  are 
advised  to  provide  for  the  payment  of  the  expenses  of  their 
superintendents  in  attending  the  association  meetings. 

Calling  Special  Annual   Conferences. 

7.  AVhen  requested  to  do  so  by  a  majority  ot  the  mem- 
bers of  any  annual  conference,  the  bishop  of  the  district  shall 
reconvene   said   conference  in   special   session. 

Organisation  of  Mission  Conferences. 

8.  Whenever  it  is  deemed  desirable  to  organize  a  mission 
conference,  a  bishop,  in  conjunction  with  either  of  the 
boards  of  missions  (Home  or  Foreign),  shall  have  the  power 
to  organize  such  a  conference  in  either  home  or  foreign 
fields. 

Missionary  Oversight. 
0.  The  bishops  shall  confer  with  conference  superin- 
tendents and  pastors  in  suggesting  plans  and  methods  for 
the  awakening  of  interest  in  home  and  foreign  missions,  aad 
shall  devote  as  much  of  their  time  as  practicable  to  visiting 
mission  fields  and  to  the  opening  of  new  missions  in  inviting 
places. 


MINISTRY  OF  THE  CHURCH  55 

Accountahility  of  Bishops. 

10.  Tlic  bishops  of  the  Cliurch  shall  be  ameuable  to  the 
General  Conference  for  the  faithful  discharge  of  their 
official  duties.  Their  administration  and  services  in  the 
general  superintendence  of  the  varied  interests  of  the  de- 
nomination shall  be  subject  to  review  the  same  as  other 
administrative  officers  at  the  quadrennial  meetings  of  the 
General  Conference. 

Vacancy  in  a  Bishop's  District. 

11.  In  case  a  vacancy  in  the  office  of  bishop  in  any  dis- 
trict occurs  during  the  first  three  years  of  the  quadrennium, 
it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  remaining  bishops  to  hold  an 
election  by  letter  ballot,  all  members  of  the  preceding 
General  Conference,  who  are  members  of  the  Church,  voting. 
The  publishing  agent  shall  provide  and  send  out  the  blank 
ballots,  and  return-stamped  envelopes  under  the  direction 
of  the  board  of  bishops.  The  board  of  bishops  shall 
appoint  a  board  of  tellers,  three  in  number,  from  the  mem- 
bership of  the  Church  in  the  vicinity  of  Dayton,  Ohio.  The 
ballots  shall  be  turned  over  to  them  by  the  publishing 
agent,  as  directed  by  the  bishops.  The  bishops  shall  set  a 
date  when  the  ballots  must  be  in,  and  also  when  and  where 
the  ballots  must  be  counted  by  the  tellers,  these  two  dates 
to  be  printed  on  the  ballots  sent  out  to  the  delegates.  The 
tellers  shall  certify  the  entire  vote  to  the  bishops,  and 
they  shall  announce  the  election  of  the  person  receiving  a 
majority  of  the  votes  cast.  In  case  no  election  occurs  on 
the  first  ballot,  other  ballots  shall  be  taken  until  some  one 
receives  a  majority  vote.  In  case  a  vacancy  occurs  during 
the  last  year  of  the  quadrennium,  the  remaining  bishops 
shall  divide  the  work  of  the  district  among  themselves  for 
the  remainder  of  the  quadrennium. 

Foreign  Field. 

12.  The  foreign  fields  shall  be  under  the  su{)ervision  of 
the  Foreign  Mission  bishop  and  the  board  of  Foreign  Mis- 
sions. 

Stationing  of  Preachers. 

13.  For  stationing  pastors,  see  Chapter  VII..  Section  I., 
paragraph  4. 


56  DISCIPLINE 

Section  VIII. 

DUTIES  OF  PREACHERS. 

Preachers'  Duties  in  General. 

1.  The  duties  of  preachers  are,  to  preach  Christ  cruci- 
fied; to  organize  churches,  and  report  the  same  to  annual 
conferences ;  converse  with  the  members  on  their  spiritual 
condition ;  administer  relief ;  strengthen  and  direct  those 
who  are  afflicted  or  labor  under  temptations ;  animate  the 
indolent ;  endeavor  as  much  as  possible  to  edify  and  instruct 
all  in  faith,  in  the  Christian  virtues,  and  in  the  knowledge 
of  Jesus  Christ ;  visit  the  sick ;  and  strive  to  enforce  and 
confirm  the  doctrines  they  preach  by  a  well-ordered  and 
exemplary  life. 

Directions  to  Preachers. 

2.  Let  preachers  heed  the  following  directions : 

(1)  Be  diligent.  Never  trifle  away  your  time.  Always 
be  discreet.  Let  your  motto  be,  "Holiness  unto  the 
Lord."  Avoid  all  vain  conversation,  conduct  yourself  pru- 
dently, and  demean  yourself  in  all  respects  as  a  true  Chris- 
tian. Be  at  all  times  averse  to  crediting  evil  reports.  Be- 
lieve evil  of  no  one  without  good  evidence.  Put  the  best 
construction  on  everything. 

(2)  Speak  evil  of  no  one.  Whatever  may  be  your 
thoughts,  keep  them  within  your  own  breast  until  you 
can  tell  the  person  concerned  what  you  think  wrong  in  his 
conduct. 

(3)  Let  your  business  be  to  save  as  many  souls  as 
possible.  To  this  employment  give  yourself  up  wholly. 
Visit  those  who  need  it,  and  act  in  all  things,  not  accord- 
ing to  your  own  will,  but  as  sons  in  the  gospel ;  for  as 
such  it  becomes  your  duty  to  employ  your  time  in  the 
manner  prescribed,  in  preaching,  and  in  visiting  from 
house  to  house,  in  instruction  and  prayer,  and  in  medita- 
tion on  the  Word  of  God.  With  these  things  be  occupied 
until  our  Lord  shall  come. 

Authority  to  Solemnize  Marriage. 

3.  All  ordained  ministers  are  authorized  to  solemnize 
marriage.  All  annual-conference  ministers,  where  the  law 
of  the  State  makes  it  the  privilege  of  every  regularly  licensed 
minister  to  solemnize  marriage,  are  authorized  to  solemnize 
marriage ;    but  none  having  quarterly-conference  license  only 


MINISTRY  OF  THE  CHURCH  5 1 

are  permitted  to  do  so,   other  than  those  serving  a  regular 
charge. 

Transferring  Members. 

4.  The  pastor  of  a  member  moving  from  one  charge  to 
another  is  required  immediately  to  send  the  transfer  of 
said  member  to  the  pastor  of  the  charge  of  the  United  Breth- 
ren Church  to  which  he  has  moved,  unless  the  member  mov- 
ing beforehand  requests  that  his  membership  remain  with 
his  home  church. 

Preachers  not  to  Trespass. 

5.  No  preacher  shall  arbitrarily  organize  a  pastoral  charge 
within  the  limits  of  a  circuit  or  conference  district,  or 
shall  receive  compensation  for  labor  performed,  without 
the  consent  of  the  preacher  in  charge ;  nor  shall  any  minis- 
ter preaching  in  a  different  language  accept  a  call  from 
any  regularly-organized  class  or  congregation  which  does 
not  belong  to  his  conference,  without  the  consent  of  the 
annual  conference  to  which  the  charge  making  the  request 
may  belong.  Any  preacher  violating  the  provisions  of 
this  section  shall  be  amenable  to  his  quarterly  or  annual 
conference. 

Section  IX. 

TRIAL  OF  PREACHERS. 

Quarterly-Conference  Preachers. 
1.  Whenever  a  quarterly-conference  minister  is  accused 
of  conduct  unworthy  of  such  a  representative  of  the  Church, 
the  pastor  of  the  charge  where  such  preacher  holds  his 
membership  shall  appoint  one  or  more  disinterested  persons 
as  a  committee  to  inquire  into  the  complaints,  and  if  grounds 
for  charges  are  found,  and  the  accused  fails  to  satisfy  the 
committee,  charges  shall  be  filed  and  reported  to  the  next 
quarterly  conference  of  which  the  accused  is  a  member,  and 
the  quarterly  conference  shall  appoint  a  prosecutor,  whose 
duty  it  shall  be  to  notify  the  accused  to  choose  a  committee- 
man, the  prosecutor  choosing  a  committeeman,  in  behalf  of 
the  Church,  and  these  two  a  thii"d,  all  of  whom  shall  be 
members  of  the  Church,  before  which  committee  the  case 
shall  be  tried.  The  prosecutor  shall  notify  the  pastor  of  the 
charge  when  said  committee  has  been  properly  formed,  and 
it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  pastor  to  appoint  the  time  and 


58  DISCIPLINE 

pliicc  of  trial,  giviiif?  not  less  than  ton  or  more  than  twenty 
days'  notice ;  and  he  shall  also  act  as  chairman  in  the  case. 
If  a  majority  of  the  committee  be  satisfied  that  the  accusa- 
tion is  sustained,  the  chairman  shall  require  the  accused  to 
hold  his  peace  until  the  quarterly  conference,  where  the  ac- 
cused shall  be  accountable,  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the 
committee  to  transmit  in  written  form  the  proceedings  and 
findings  of  said  trial  to  the  quarterly  conference,  and  if  the 
findings  are  sustained,  the  accused  shall  be  suspended,  ex- 
pelled, or  otherwise  dealt  with,  as  the  quarterly  conference 
may  determine.  But  should  the  accused,  after  being  duly 
notified,  refuse,  or  neglect,  or  fail  to  choose  a  committeeman, 
the  quarterly  conference  shall  appoint  a  committee  of  three 
persons,  who  shall  hear  the  case  and  decide. 

Annual-Conference  Preachers. 
2.  When  a  preacher  or  elder  is  accused  of  immorality, 
trespass,  imprudent  conduct,  or  disobedience  to  the  order 
and  discipline  of  the  Church,  the  superintendent  of  the  dis- 
trict, in  the  bounds  of  which  the  accused  shall  reside  or  hold 
membership,  shall  appoint  a  preacher,  who  shall  take  with 
him  another  preacher  or  leader,  and  examine  into  the  charge, 
following  the  Apostle's  instruction  (I.  Tim.  5:  19)  :  "Against 
an  elder  receive  not  an  accusation,  but  before  two  or  three 
witnesses."  If  it  should  appear  that  said  reports  are  well 
founded,  the  examiners  shall  prefer  charges  against  the  ac- 
cused;  if  not,  he  shall  report  to  the  next  quarterly  confer- 
ence, of  which  the  accused  is  a  member,  that  he  found  no 
cause  for  action.  If  charges  are  preferred,  the  quarterly 
conference  shall  appoint  a  prosecutor,  whose  duty  it  shall 
be  to  notify  the  accused  in  writing,  setting  forth  all  the 
charges  preferred  against  him.  He  shall  also  notify  him 
to  choose  an  elder  as  his  committeeman,  the  prosecutor 
choosing  an  elder  as  committeeman  in  behalf  of  the  Church, 
and  these  two  a  third  elder  or  preacher,  before  which  com- 
mittee the  case  shall  be  tried.  The  prosecutor  shall  also 
notify  the  superintendent  of  the  district,  and  it  shall  be 
the  duty  of  the  superintendent  to  appoint  the  time  and 
place  of  trial,  ginning  not  less  than  twenty  nor  more  than 
thirty  days'  notice  to  the  parties  concerned,  and  he  shall 
also  act  as  chairman  in  the  case.  Should  a  majority  of  the 
committee  be  satisfied  that  the  accusation  is  sustained,  and 
he  is  found  guilty  of  a  serious  offense,  they  shall  require 
him  to  hold  his  peace  until  the  annual  conference,  where  he 


MINISTRY  OF  THE   CHURCH  59 

shall  be  accountable,  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  com- 
mittee to  transmit  in  writing-  the  entire  proceedings  of  said 
trial  to  the  annual  conference,  where  the  accused  shall  have 
a  hearing  before  the  conference,  or  a  committee  thereof ;  and 
if  the  findings  are  sustained,  he  shall  be  suspended,  expelled, 
or  otherwise  dealt  with,  as  the  conference  may  determine. 

But  should  the  accused,  after  having  been  duly  notified, 
refuse  or  neglect  to  comply  in  choosing  his  committeeman 
and  notifying  the  prosecutor  within  fifteen  days,  the  con- 
ference superintendent  shall  suspend  him  until  the  annual 
conference,  where,  if  he  shall  refuse  to  appear,  he  shall  be 
dealt  with  according  to  the  judgment  of  the  conference ;  pro- 
vided, however,  if  he  be  an  elder,  elders  only  shall  vote  in 
the  case ;  and  provided  further,  that  if  the  committeemen 
chosen  by  the  prosecutor  and  accused  fail  to  agree  as  to  the 
third  member  of  the  committee,  then  the  quarterly  confer- 
ence shall  appoint  said  committeeman.  If  the  accused  or 
prosecutor  be  a  conference  superintendent  or  bishop,  the 
conference  superintendent  or  bishop,  as  the  case  may  be, 
next  adjoining  shall  act  as  chairman  in  the  trial ;  provided, 
that  in  conferences  having  only  one  conference  superintend- 
ent the  bishop  shall  appoint  a  chairman  to  act  in  the  case. 

3.  The  foregoing  relates  only  to  annual-conference  mem- 
bers. 

Trial  of  Bishops  and  Conference  Superintendents. 

4.  When  a  conference  superintendent  shall  be  accused 
of  any  misdemeanor,  immoral  conduct,  or  disobedience  to 
the  order  and  discipline  of  the  Church,  the  bishop  of  the 
district,  in  the  bounds  of  which  the  accused  shall  reside  or 
hold  membership,  shall  appoint  a  committee  of  three  elders, 
who  shall  examine  into  the  complaints,  and  should  the  ac- 
cused be  a  bishop,  then  the  board  of  bishops  shall  appoint 
a  like  committee.  If  it  shall  appear  that  said  complaints 
are  well  founded,  the  committee  shall  prefer  charges  against 
the  accused ;  if  not,  the  committee  shall  report  to  his  quar- 
terly conference  that  they  found  no  grounds  for  action.  If 
charges  are  preferred  his  quarterly  conference  shall  appoint 
a  prosecutor,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  notify  the  accused, 
in  writing,  setting  forth  all  the  charges  preferred  against 
him.  He  shall  also  notify  him  to  choose  a  committeeman, 
the  prosecutor  choosing  a  committeeman  in  behalf  of  the 
Church,  and  these  two  a  third,  all  of  whom  shall  be  elders, 
before  whom  the  case  shall  be  tried.     The  prosecutor  shall 


60  DISCIPLINE 

also  notify  the  bishop  or  board  of  bishops,  and  it  shall  be 
the  duty  of  the  bishop  or  the  board  of  bishops  to  appoint  the 
time  and  place  of  trial,  giving  not  less  than  twenty  nor 
more  than  forty  days'  notice.  The  bishop,  or  some  one 
appointed  by  the  board  of  bishops,  shall  act  as  chairman 
in  the  case.  Should  a  majority  of  the  committee  be  satisfied 
that  the  accusation  is  sustained,  they  shall  require  him  to 
hold  his  "peace  until  the  sitting  of  his  conference,  where  he 
shall  be  accountable,  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  com- 
mittee to  transmit,  in  writing,  to  said  conference,  the  entire 
proceedings  of  sfiid  trial,  where  the  accused  shall  have  a 
hearing  before  the  conference  or  a  committee  thereof,  and 
if  the  findings  are  sustained,  he  shall  be  suspended,  expelled, 
or  otherv^^ise  dealt  with,  as  the  conference  may  determine. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

Itinerancy. 
Section  I. 

ITINERANTS. 

How  Constituted. 

1.  All  members  of  the  annual  conference  who  offer  them- 
selves without  reserve,  after  having  labored  two  years  under 
the  direction  of  the  stationing  committee  or  conference  sup- 
erintendent, and  have  been  received  by  vote  of  two-thiii*d.s 
of  the  members  of  conference,  shall  be  recognized  as  itin- 
erants. 

Withdrawing  from  the  Itinerancy. 

2.  If  any  one  who  is  thus  received  shall  withdraw  from 
active  work  without  giving  satisfaction  to  the  conference  of 
which  he  is  a  member,  he  shall  not  be  entitled  to  any  sup- 
port from  the  funds  belonging  to  said  conference.  And, 
furthermore,  he  shall  not  reenter  the  itinerancy  without  the 
consent  of  at  least  two- thirds  of  the  conference.  Yet  super- 
numerary and  superannuated  relations  shall  be  duly  recog- 
nized as  proper  disciplinary  relations,  and  may  be  secured 
to  any  brother  having  just  claims  thereto,  by  a  vote  of  the 
conference. 

Pastor^s  Resignation. 

3.  If  a  pastor  after  duly  entering  upon  the  work  assigned 
him  should  desire  to  leave  the  same  for  any  reason,  he  shall 
inform  the  conference  superintendent  of  hiis  intentions,  in 
writing,  at  least  thirty  days  before  his  resignation  is  to 
take  effect,  and  satisfy  him  that  hie  full  proportion  of  the 
benevolences  have  been  secured  in  cash  or  good  subscrip- 
tions and  that  all  other  obligations  to  the  charge  have  been 
satisfactorily  adjusted ;  and  should  said  minister  leave  or 
neglect  his  charge,  except  iit  be  through  sickness  or  other 
unavoidable  circumstances,  he  shall  be  accountable  to  the 
next  annual  conference. 

Stationing  Committee. 

4.  The  bishop  and  conference  superintendents  of  the  past 
and  present  years  shall  constitute  a  stationing  committee, 

61 


G2  DISCIPLINE 

whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  supply  all  the  circuits,  stations, 
and  missions,  as  far  as  practicable,  from  the  list  of  itin- 
erants ;  provided,  however,  that  where  there  is  but  one  con- 
ference superintendent  on  the  committee,  the  conference  may 
elect  to  the  same  one  or  more  elders  from  the  elders  not 
asking  for  work  from  said  committee. 

5.  The  stationing  committee  shall  have  at  least  two 
meetings  before  its  work  is  completed. 

Appeal   from    Stationing    Committee  s    Report. 

6.  If  any  of  the  preachers  thus  stationed,  or  any  who 
may  not  receive  an  appointment,  are  -dissatisfied,  they  shall 
have  a  right  to  appeal  to  the  annual  conference.  If  two- 
thirds  grant  the  appeal,  the  decisions  shall  be  final.  In  case 
of  an  appeal  from  the  decision  of  the  stationing  committee, 
no  preacher  stationed  by  said  committee  shall  be  changed, 
without  hi&  consent,  to  accommodate  the  preacher  making 
such  appeal.  In  no  case  shall  preachers  be  permitted  to 
exchange  charges,  except  in  the  manner  provided  for  in 
Chapter  VI.,  Section  VI.,  paragraph  12. 

Employment  of  Other  Preachers. 

7.  Should  there  not  be  enough  itinerants  to  supply  all 
the  circuits,  stations,  and  missions,  "the  remaining  charges 
shall  be  supplied  by  the  stationing  committee  or  conference 
•juperiintendents. 

Pastoral  Charges. 

8.  A  circuit  or  station  shall  not  consist  of  any  specific 
number  of  members  or  appointments ;  but  when  the  annual 
conference  judges  it  able  to  support  a  minister,  it  may  be 
so  recognized. 

9.  The  pastor  shall  have  full  control  of  his  pulpit,  and 
no  board  of  trustees  shall  permit  any  one  to  preach  therein 
without  his  consent. 


Section  II. 

DUTIES   OF  ITINERANTS. 

1.  It  is  the  duty  of  an   itinerant  preacher  to  take   the 
charge  assigned  him.  and  to  move  to  it  if  practicable. 

2.  He    shall    visit    regularly    the    appointments    on    his 
charge,  preach  to  the  people,  and  hold  class-meetings  when- 


ITINERANCY  G3 


organize  and  main- 

or  societies. 


ever  practicable,  and  whenever  possible 
tain  Youug  People's  Christian  Eudeavo 

Revision  of  Church  Records. 

3.  He,  iin  connection  with  the  official  board,  shall  at 
least  one  month  before  annual  conference  revise  the  church 
records.  The  duties  of  the  committee  on  revision  shall  be 
essentially  clerical,  and  the  name  of  no  member  shall  be 
erased  from  the  records  unless  the  disciplinary  steps  shall 
have  been  taken.  (See  Chapter  IV.,  Section  II.,  paragraph  jL^ 
IT;  Chapter  IV.,  Section  III.;  and  Chapter  V.,  Section  I., 
paragraph  3.  y^^  *   • 

Annual  Reorganization. 

4.  He,  in  connection  with  the  official  board,  at  the  time 
when  the  records  are  revised,  shall  appoint  a  steward  or 
stewards,  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  class.  He  shall 
hold  a  meeting  of  the  class  and  see  that  a  class-leader  is 
elected. 

Presiding  at  Trials. 

5.  He  shall  sit  as  president  at  the  trial  of  members  and 
see  that  a  correct  record  of  the  same  is  kept. 

Reports. 

6.  He  shall  render  a  strict  account  (as  indicated  in 
Chapter  XXXII..  Section  IV.,  form  10)  of  his  work  at  each 
(inartorly  conference,  where  he  is  to  be  held  accountable  for 
neglect  of  duty. 

Circulation  of  Literature. 

7.  It  shall  be  his  duty  to  use  every  laudable  effort  to 
circulate  our  books  and  Church  periodicals,  and  to  use  due 
diligence  to  advance  the  interests  of  the  Church  printing 
establishment. 

8.  It  shall  be  his  duty  to  keep  a  list  of  the  names  of  all 
the  subscribers  to  our  Church  periodicals,  and  the  timft 
of  subscribing,  at  the  different  appointments  on  his  charge, 
and  hand  it  over  to  his  successor  at  the  annual  conference, 
with  the  list  of  the  appointments.  He  shall  also  report 
the  number  of  subscribers  to  our  periodicals  on  his  charge 
H\  each  quarterly  conference,  and  be  examined  by  the  con- 
-"frTence  superintendent  and  quarterly  conference  as  to 
whether  he  performs  his  duty  in  circulating  the  periodicals 
of  the  Church  among  the  people. 


64  DISCIPLINE 

Dismissal  of  Appointments. 

9.  A  preacher  is  not  permitted  to  dismiss  any  appoint- 
ment from  his  circuit  or  mission  without  the  consent  of  the 
quarterly  conference. 

Records. 

10.  He  shall  procure  a  suitable  book  for  a  church  rec- 
ord, in  which  he  shall  register  all  the  appointments  and 
classes  on  his  circuit,  station,  or  mission,  in  regular  order, 
with  the  name  of  each  member  properly  recorded  in  con- 
nection with  his  own  class.  He  shall  also  make  a  record 
of  all  baptisms,  marriages,  deaths,  and  proceedings  of 
church  trials,  with  the  names  of  all  the  parties  in  each  case. 
He  shall  report  this  record  with  the  proceedings  therein  to 
the  last  quarterly  conference  of  each  year  for  approval  or 
improvement.  This  book  shall  be  the  property  of  the 
quarterly  conference,  and  shalJ  be  in  addition  to  the  regular 
class-books  and  circuit  books. 

General  Collections. 

11.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  each  preacher  in  charge  of 
a  field  of  labor  to  collect  the  annual  amounts  apportioned 
to  his  charge  for  the  benevolence  budget  and  conference 
superintendents,  and  also  all  other  conference  apportion- 
ments. And  should  he  fail  to  collect  in  full  and  not  be  able 
to  give  satisfactory  reason  for  such  a  failure,  he  shall  be 
accountable  to  the  annual  conference. 

Missionary  Contributions. 

12.  He  shall  preach  missionary  sermons,  and  by  a  careful 
study  of  conditions  use  such  plans  as  shall  educate  his 
people  in  the  privilege  of  giving,  and  secure  the  largest  pos- 
sible contributions.  He  shall  be  held  to  strict  account  for 
the  faithful  performance  of  his  duties.  The  publication  of 
the  names  of  the  donors  shall  be  left  to  the  option  of  each 
annual  conference. 

Pastoral  Visiting. 

13.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  preacher  in  charge  of  a 
station  or  circuit  to  give  as  much  of  his  time  as  possible 
to  visiting  the  families  under  his  charge,  and  to  pay  strict 
attention  to  the  young  members  under  his  care.  This 
private  work  of  visiting  from  house  to  house  and  exhorting 
the  people  is  founded  on  these  solemn  words  of  the  apostle : 


ITINERANCY  65 

"I  kept  back  nothing  that  was  profitable  unto  you,  but 
have  shewed  you,  and  have  taught  you  publicly,  and  from 
house  to  house"    (Acts  20:20). 

Home  Training  of  Children. 

14.  Because  of  the  powerful  and  far-reaching  influence 
of  home  life  upon  the  young,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  each 
pastor  to  direct  the  attention  of  his  people  to  the  vital 
importance  of  family  government  and  Christian  nurture. 
He  shall  do  this  publicly  and  privately  by  directing  atten- 
tion to  books  and  periodicals  giving  helpful  instruction  upon 
this  subject,  and  also  by  presenting  in  his  public  ministra- 
tions the  teachings  of  God's  Word  respecting  the  duty  of 
parents  to  train  up  their  children  in  the  nurture  and  ad- 
monition of  the  Lord. 

Bible  Cause. 

15.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  each  pastor  to  observe  one 
Sunday  each  year  in  the  month  of  May  as  Bible  Sunday, 
when  he  shall  preach  an  appropriate  sermon  and  take  an 
offering  for  the  Bible  cause.  This  offering  shall  be  forwarded 
to  the  conference  treasurer,  by  him  to  the  Bible  society 
which  operates  the  territory  where  the  offering  is  taken. 

Section  III. 
preachers'  salaries. 

1.  The  salary  of  a  pastor  shall  be  such  amount  as  may 
be  agreed  upon  between  him  and  the  quarterly  conference 
of  the  field  of  labor  to  which  he  is  sent ;  and  said  agree- 
ment shall  be  a  valid  contract  between  the  parties  there- 
to. When  a  charge  owns  a  parsonage,  or  rents  a  house 
for  the  pastor  to  live  in.  the  charge  shall  have  credit  for 
the  same  by  the  pastor  reporting  as  so  much  salary  the 
amount  the  parsonage  would  rent  for  or  the  amount  paid 
for  the  rented  house. 

2.  A  missionary  employed  by  the  board  of  missions 
shall  receive  such  salary  as  in  the  judgment  of  the  board 
may  be  proper. 

Parsonage  and  Moving  of  Preacher. 

3.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  a  circuit  or  station,  when  a 
preacher  is  sent  to  it  by  the  annual  conference,  to  provide 
a  house  and  move  the  preacher  at  its  own  expense  from  any 
poiint  within  the  bounds  of  the  conference. 


CHAITER   VIII. 

Deaconess  Work. 
Section  I. 

DEACONESSES. 

1.  When  any  sister  of  suitable  age,  health,  ability,  cul- 
ture, and  piety,  led  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  wishes  to  become  a 
deaconess,  she  may  receive  a  recommendation  to  the  quarter- 
ly conference  from  the  class  where  she  holds  her  member- 
ship. If,  after  examination  by  the  conference  superintend- 
ent, or  a  committee  appointed  by  him,  she  is  approved  by 
the  quarterly  conference,  she  shall  receive  license  to  perform 
the  duties  of  a  deaconess  in  the  local  church,  said  license  sub- 
ject to  annual  renewal. 

2.  Her  duties  shall  be  to  visit  from  house  to  house, 
reading,  praying,  singing,  teaching,  exhorting,  or  comforting 
the  people,  as  the  case  may  require ;  to  nurse  or  otherwise 
minister  to  the  sick  and  needy ;  to  solicit  funds  or  supplies 
and  distribute  the  same ;  all  under  the  direction  of  the  pastor 
to  whom  she  shall  report  as  often  as  he  may  require ;  she 
shall  not,  however,  be  required  to  look  after  the  finances  of 
the  Church. 

3.  A  uniform  costume  may  be  worn  to  distinguish  and 
protect  her. 

4.  The  deaconess  work  is  a  high  and  holy  calling  for 
sacrificial  service.  Each  local  church  must  provide  for  any 
necessary  expense  attending  this  work,  and  such  salary  as 
may  be  mutually  agreed  upon,  always,  however,  encouraging 
those  who  enter  upon  this  service  to  do  so  for  the  love  of 
Christ  and  humanity. 

5.  No  one  shall  be  required  to  make  a  perpetual  vow 
in  this  work,  and  any  one  may  retire  from  this  oflBce  at 
pleasure,  after  giving  the  pastor  the  proper  notice. 

6.  The  deaconess  shall  be  a  member  of  the  quarterly 
conference  where  she  serves,  and  shall  be  responsible  to  it 
for  her  moral  and  official  character. 

7.  If  the  deaconess  is  deficient  in  any  of  the  common 
school  studies,  she  must  pass  examination  in  these,  along 
with  the  prescribed  course  of  study.  The  conference  super- 
intendent and  pastor  shall  conduct  the  examination  in  writ- 

66 


DEACONESSES  67 

ing  annually,  or  a  part  of  the  course  quarterly,  as  the  can- 
didate may  desire.  The  faculty  of  Bonebrake  Seminary 
shall  prepare  suitable  questions  on  each  book,  as  in  the  case 
of  annual-conference  preachers. 

8.  She  shall  complete  the  course  of  reading  within  three 
years  or  her  license  shall  not  be  renewed.  (See  Course  of 
Study,  Chapter  IX.,   Section  IV.) 

On  the  completion  of  the  course  of  study,  and  two 
years'  practical  work  under  the  direction  of  a  pastor,  or  aji 
equivalent  course  in  an  approved  training  school,  or  liter- 
ary school  providing  such  courses,  the  deaconess  shall  be 
consecrated  to  this  service  by  a  bishop  or  conference  super- 
intendent and  receive  a  permanent  license,  and  may  be  given 
membership  in  the  annual  conference  with  all  the  privileges 
of  membership,  except  voting. 

Note. — If  a  deaconess  desires  ministerial  membership  in 
the  annual  conference,  she  may  be  admitted  upon  the  satis- 
factory  completion   of  the  course   of  reading  for   ministers. 

Any  deaconess  desirous  of  becoming  a  nurse  should 
take  the  course  of  training  for  that  purpose  in  a  school  con- 
nected with  a  good  hospital. 

Section  II. 
Deaconess  Homes. 
The  board  of  bishops  shall  constitute  a  board  of  man- 
agement of  homes  for  deaconesses,  and  when  a  majority  of 
the  pastors  of  our  Church  in  a  city  or  conference  wish  to 
establish  such  a  home,  they  must  first  submit  their  plans 
to  the  board  of  bishops  at  one  of  their  annual  meetings, 
and  if  the  matter  is  approved  by  the  board  it  shall  prepare 
rules  and  regulations  by  which  such  home  shall  be  founded 
and  managed. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

Courses  of  Study. 
Section  I. 
Quarterly-Conference  Preachers. 
1.     It  shall  be  the  duty  of  each  person  receiving  a  quar- 
terly-conference  license   to   preach    to   pursue    the    following- 
course  of  study : 

Books  to  he  Studied — 

Bible — Exodus,  Matthew,  and  John. 

Uniited  Brethren   Handbook — Shuey-Shupe. 

United  Brethren  Discipline. 

Hints  to  Lay  Preachers — Meyer. 

Sunday-School  in   Action — Brewbaker. 

Binney's   Theological    Compend — Binnej^-Steele. 

Confession   of  Faith — Weaver. 

Bible   History — Blaikie. 

Books  to  he  Read — 

Life  of  Otterbein — Drury. 

Our  Heroes,  Vols.  I.  and  II. — Weekley  and  Font. 

Our  Church  Abroad — Hough. 

The  Frontier — Piatt. 

Tlie  Why  and  How  of  Foreign  Missions — Brovi-n. 

Individual  Work  for  Individuals — Trumbull. 

Laymen  in  Action — Quayle. 

Life  of  Bishop  Mills— Funk. 

Torches   Aloft— Bell. 

Immigrant  Forces — Shriver. 

Three  books  at  least  to  be  selected  and  read. 

Examinations. 
2.  The  conference  superintendent,  or  a  committee  ap- 
pointed by  him,  shall  hold  examinations  each  year  in  the 
books  studied.  A  quarterly-conference  licentiate  is  per- 
mitted to  complete  the  entire  course  in  one  year;  but  should 
he  fail  to  complete  the  course  within  three  years  his  license 
shall  not  be  subject  to  renewal.     He  is  required  to  complete 

68 


COURSES    OF    STUDY  69 

the   quarterly-conference   course    of    study   before    being   ad- 
mitted to  the  annual  conference. 

Permanent  License. 
3.  Any  one  completing  the  above  course  of  study  and 
passing  satisfactory  examinations  in  the  same,  may  receive 
a  license  certifying  to  that  fact,  and  not  requiring  annual 
renewal,  so  long  as  his  teaching  is  conformable  to  the  doc- 
trines of  Christ,  as  held  by  our  Church,  and  his  deportment 
is  in  harmony  with  the  requirements  of  our  Discipline. 

Section  II. 

ANNUAL-CONFERENCE   PREACHERS. 

Examinations. 

1.  A  licentiate  preacher  is  to  be  examined  in  the  sub- 
joined course  of  study  by  the  annual  conference  to  which 
he  belongs,  and  shall  have  the  privilege  of  being  examined 
after  the  completion  of  one  or  more  studies  during  the  in- 
terim of  annual  conference,  and  the  examinations  on  the 
studies  shall  be  completed,  if  possible,  before  the  sitting  of 
the  conference.  The  examinations  shall  be  in  writing,  and 
graded  on  a  scale  of  100,  an  average  of  70  being  required. 

There  shall  be  a  standing  secretary  for  the  committees 
on  courses  of  study  who  shall  keep  permanent  records  of 
each  licentiate,  of  his  examinations,  by  whom  conducted, 
the  grades  given  in  each  book  or  study,  note  the  completion 
of  his  course,  when  ordained,   transferred,  or  dismissed. 

A  book  shall  be  provided  by  the  annual  conference  for  this 
purpose  and  shall  be  preserved  as  the  property  of  the  con- 
ference. 

2.  To  assist  and  encourage  licentiates  in  their  studies 
and  also  for  ihe  purpose  of  securing  greater  uniformity  and 
efficiency  in  the  examinations,  the  following  plan  shall  be 
pursued :  The  faculty  of  Bonebrake  Theological  Seminary 
shall  prepare  a  list  of  Irom  fifty  to  two  hundred  questions 
on  each  subject  of  study,  as  the  subject  may  require,  to  be 
placed  in  the  hands  of  the  examiners  only.  The  faculty  shall 
likewise  prepare  a  list  of  helpful  suggestions  on  each  sub- 
ject for  the  student,  to  be  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  student, 
at  the  beginning  of  each  year  of  study.  The  examiners  on 
course  of  study  shall  select  without  the  knowledge  of  the 
licentiate  ten  or  more  of  these  questions  on  each  subject  for 
examination,  the  examination  always  being  conducted  in  the 


70  DISCIPLINE 

presence  of  one  or  more  of  the  examiners.  Each  licentiate 
shall  also  present  a  written  sermon  in  connection  with  the 
exami-nation  of  each  year.  The  sermon  for  the  first  year's 
examination  shall  be  upon  a  practical  theme ;  for  the 
second  year,  a  doctrinal ;  for  the  third  year,  a  historical, 
and  for  the  fourth  year,  a  social.  If  any  licentiate  is  unable 
to  appear  before  his  examiners  he  shall  report  the  cause  of 
his  absence. 

Completing  the  Course. 

3.  Each  licentiate  is  expected  to  complete  the  prescribed 
course  within  four  years,  unless  good  reasons  exist  for 
delay. 

4.  Should  any  licentiate  fail  to  complete  the  course 
within  six  years,  he  shall  be  referred  to  his  quarterly  con- 
ference  and   his  annual-conference   license   surrendered. 

5.  Any  licentiate  who  has  completed  the  full  course  of 
study  in  Bonebrake  Theological  Seminary,  and  has  passed 
the  examinations  enti'tling  him  to  a  diploma  from  that  insti- 
tution, shall  be  excused  from  examinations  in  the  annual- 
conference  course  or  study. 

First  Year. 
Books  to  he  Studied — 
The  Teaching  of   Christ — Morgan. 
Future  Leadership  of  the  Church — Mott. 
Extemporaneous  Oratory — Buckley. 
United  Brethren  Church  History — Berger,  Part  I. 
Making  of  a  Sermon — Pattison. 
Principles  of  Education — Ruediger. 

Commit  to  Memory — 

The  Ten  Commandments.  Psalms  1  and  2,  and  the  Beat- 
itudes. 

Books  to  he  Read — 

Cyclopedic  Handbook  to  the  Bible,  Old  Testament — • 
Angus-Green. 

With   Christ  in  the  School  of  Prayer — Murray. 

Our  Bishops — Thompson. 

Personal   Life  of  David  Livingstone — Blaikie. 

The  Worker  and  His  Bible — Eiselen. 

Winning  the  Oregon  Country — Faris. 

The  Glory  of  the  Ministry — Robertson. 


COURSES    OF    STUDY  71 

The  Graded  Sunday  School  in  Principle  and  Practice — 
Meyer. 

Three  books  at  least  are  to  be  selected  and  read. 

Second   Year. 

Books  to  he  Studied — 

Prophecy  and  the  Prophets — Eiselen. 

The  Preacher — Hoyt. 

United  Brethren  Cliurch  History — Berger,  Parts  II.,  111., 
and  IV. 

Fundamentals  of   Child   Study — Kirkpatrick. 

Exegetical  Studies — Galatians  (Cambridge  Bible),  I.  and 
II.  Timothy  and  Titus  (Cambridge  Bible). — Use  either  the 
Cambridge  Bible  for  Schools  and  Colleges  or  Dummelow's 
Commentary. 

Commit  to  Memory — 

Isaiah,  fifty-third  chapter ;  First  Corinthians,  thirteenth 
chapter. 

Books  to  he  Read — 

Cyclopedic  Handbook  to  the  Bible,  New  Testament — 
Angus-Green. 

Life  of  Weaver — Thompson. 

Autobiography  of  Finney. 

The  Church  of  the  Open  Country — Wilson. 

Crises  of  the  Christ — Morgan. 

The  Bible — Its   Origin   and   Nature — Dods. 

The  Indwelling  Spirit — Davison. 

The  Foreign  Missionary — Brown. 

The  Point  of  Contact  in  Teaching — DuBois. 

Three  books  at  least  are  to  be  selected  and  read. 

TMrd  Year. 

Books  to  he  Studied — 

Outlines  of  Doctrinal  Theologj' — Drury,  pp.  1-99. 

Psychology — Angell. 

The  Pastor  Preacher — Quayle. 

Reasonable  Biblical  Criticism — Beecher. 

Church  History — Fisher. 

Exegetical  Studies — Amos  (Cambridge  Bible),  and  Phi- 
lippians  (Cambridge  Bible). — Use  Cambridge  Bible  for 
Schools  and  Colleges  or  Dummelow's  Commentary. 


72  DISCIPLINE 

Commit  to  Memory — 
Acts  17  :  22-31 ;  Psalm  34. 

Books  to  he  Read — 

Jesus  Christ  and  the  Social   Question — Peabody. 

Problem  of  the  Old  Testament — Orr. 

The  Spiritual   Life — Murray. 

The  Preacher,  His  Life  and  Work — Jowett. 

The  Spiritual  Life — Coe, 

Building  a  Working  Cliurch — Black. 

Christianizing   the    Social   Order — Kauschenbusch. 

The  Inner  AVitness  of  the  Fourth  Gospel — Keister. 

Rural  Christendom — Roads. 

Three  books  at  least  are  to  be  selected  and  read. 

Fourth   Year. 
Books  to  he  Studied — 

Outlines  of  Doctrinal   Theology — Drury,  pp.   100   to  end. 
The  Buildmg  of  the  Church — Jefferson. 
Manual  of  Ethics — Mackenzie. 
Jesus  and  the  Gospel — Denney. 
Apologetics — Kephart. 
The  Virgin  Birth  of  Christ— Orr. 

Books  to  he  Read — 

Social  Message  of  the  Modern  Pulpit — Brown. 

Christianity  and   the  Social  Crisis — Rauschenbusch. 

Education  in  Religion  and  Morals — Coe. 

Pastoral  and  Personal  Evangelism — Goodell. 

The  Light  of  the  World — Speer. 

Things  Fundamental — Jefferson. 

Introduction  to  the  Study  of  Economics — Bullock. 

The  Resurrection  of  Jesus — Orr. 

Life  of  Mueller — Pierson. 

Philosophy  of  Theism — Bowne. 

Four  books  at  least  are  to  be  selected  and  read. 

Section  III. 

German  Course  of  Study. 

quarterly-conference  preachers. 

First  Year. 

Doctrines. — The  presence  of  God,  the  personality  of  God, 

the  Trinity,  the  creation,  the  fall  of  man. 


COURSES    OF   STUDY  73 

Books. — The  Bible,  Discipline,  and  the  United  Brethren 
Church,  "Christlich-Apostolisches  Glaubens-Bekenntniss,"  by 
W.   Nast,   "Christologische   Betrachtungen,"    by   W.   Nast. 

Second  Year. 

Doctrines. — The  corruption  of  mankind,  repentance,  faith, 
justification,  regeneration,  witness  of  the  Spirit,  sanctifica- 
tion,  possibility  of  falling  from  grace. 

Books. — The  Bible,  Church  Discipline,  Hare's  "Kecht- 
fertigung  durch  den  Glauben,"  D'Aubigne's  "Reformations- 
Geschichte,"   "Bekilmpfung  des   Unglaubens,"'   by   Christlieb. 

ANNUAL-CONFERENCE    PREACHERS. 

First  Year. 

Doctrines. — The  being  and  attributes  of  God,  the  Trinity, 
the  creation,  the  doctrine  of  the  angels,  the  doctrine  of 
mankind,  man  in  the  image  of  God,  the  fall  and  the  cor- 
ruption. 

Books. — ^The  Bible ;  Church  Discipline ;  Sulzberger's 
"Glaubenslehre" — First  Part ;  Luthardt's  "Apologetische 
Vortrage" — First  Part ;  Dr.  Joseph  Beck's  "Grundriss  der 
Empirischen  Psychologie" ;  Kurtz's  Text-Book  on  Sacred 
History ;  Berger's  History  of  the  United  Brethren  Church  ; 
Nippert's  "Praktische  Theologie ' ;  Grammatik,  Heise's 
"Leitfaden — Die  Wortlehre"  ;  written  sermon  on  the  Sab- 
bath. 

Second  Year. 

Doctrines. — The  doctrines  of  Jesus  Christ,  doctrine  of 
the  personality  and  divinity  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  doctrine  of 
the  salvation  of  nran,  conviction,  repentance,  faith,  justifi- 
cation, regeneration,  sanctification,  possibility  of  falling 
from  grace. 

Books. — The  Bible ;  Church  Discipline ;  Sulzberger's 
"Glaubenslehre" — Second  Part ;  Luthardt's  "Apologetische 
Vortrage" — Second  Part ;  Weber's  "Einleitung  in  die  Heili- 
gen  Schriften" :  "Das  Christliche  Heilsleben,"  by  F.  F. 
Paulus ;  Bishop  Hurst's  Church  History ;  Dittmar's  "Welt- 
Geschichte" — First  Part ;  Grammatik,  Heise's  "Leitfaden 
— Die  Satzlehre"  ;  written  sermon  on  repentance  and  faith. 

Third  Year. 
Doctrines. — The     sacraments — baptism     and     the     Lord's 
Supper,  the  immortality  of  the  soul,  the  resurrection  of  the 


74  DISCTPLINE 

body,    the    future    general    judgment,    everlastmg    rewards, 
and  everlasting  punishment. 

Books. — The  Bible ;  Church  Discipline ;  Sulzberger's 
"Glaubenslehre" — Third  Part ;  the  Immortality  of  the  Soul, 
by  F.  L.  Nagler ;  D'Aubigae's  "Reformations-Geschichte" ; 
H.  Dittmar's  "Welt-Geschichte" — Second  Part;  Heise's 
Grammatik — Wiederholung ;  W.  Sommer's  "Aufsatzlehre'' ; 
written  sermon  on  baptism. 

Books  Recommended. 
Jellinghaus's   "Das   Vollige   Heil,"   and  C.   H.   Spurgeon's 
"Winke  fiir  Prediger,"  oder  23  Vorlesungen. 

Section  IV. 

DEACONESS  COURSE  OF  STUDY. 

First  Year. 
Books  to  he  Studied — 

Synthetic  Bible  Studies,  Pentateuch  and  Historical  Books 
— Gray. 

With  Christ  in  the  School  of  Prayer — Murray. 
Life  of  Christ — Stalker. 
United  Brethren  Handbook — Shuey-Shupe. 
United   Brethren    Discipline. 

Books  to  he  Read — 

History  of  the  United  Brethren  Church — Berger,  Part  1. 

How  to  Bring  Men  to  Christ — ^Torrey. 

Seven  Laws  of  Teaching — Gregory. 

Commit  to  Memory — 
Psalms  2,  23,  and  34. 


Second  Year. 

Books  to  he  Studied — 

Synthetic  Bible   Studies,  New   Testament — Gray. 

Deaconesses — Wheeler. 

Training  the  Teacher — Schauffler  and  others. 

Quiet  Talks  on  Power — Gordon. 

Binney's  Theological  Compend — Binney-Steele. 

Life  of  St.  Paul — Stalker. 

Study  of  Child  Life — Mary  Washburn. 


COURSES  OF  STUDY  75 

Books  to  he  Read — 
The  Tongue  of  Fire — Arthur. 

United  Brethren  Church  History,  Parts  II.,  III.,  and  IV. 
— Berger. 

Bible  Geography — Hurlbut. 
Manual  of  Nursing — Weeks. 

Commit  to  Memory — 

The  Beatitudes ;    First   Corinthians,    Thirteenth    Chapter. 

GERMAN  COURSE  OF  STUDY  FOR  DEACONESSES. 

Buecher  fuer   Oemeinde-Diakonissen   Studien-Kursus. 
Erstes  Jahr. 
Die  deutsche  Bibel.     (a)  Altes  Testament,  I.  Mose — 2-ten 
Chronika.      (b)    Neues  Testament,  Die  Evangelien. 
Life  of  Christ — Stalker. 

Geschichte  der  weiblichen  Diakonie — Colder. 
Manual  of  Bible  Study — Blakie. 
Deaconesses — Wheeler. 
In  der  Schule  des  Gebets — Murray. 

Buecher  Angeraten  zu  Lesen. 

Des   Christen   Geheimniss   eines   verborgenen    Lebens — H. 
W.  Smith. 

Life  of  Christ — Edersheim. 

How  to  Bring  Men   to  Christ — Torrey. 

Ziceites  Jahr. 
■  Die  deutsche  Bibel.     (a)     Altes  Testament,  Esra — Malea- 
chi.      (b)    Neues  Testament,  Apostelgeschichte  bis  Offb.  Jo- 
hannes. 

Binney's  Theological  Compend — Binney-Steele. 

Heilige  Geschichte — Sulzberger. 

Calwer   Kirchengeshichte. 

Life  of  St.  Paul— Stalker. 

Social   Law  of  Service — Ely. 

Die  Krankenpflege — Duembling. 

Buecher  Angeraten  eu  Lesen. 
Manual  of  Nursing — Weeks. 
Tongue  of  Fire — Arthur. 

Vereinigte  Brueder   Kirchengeschichte — Berger. 
Groesserer  Katechismus — Nast. 


CHAPTER  X. 

Appeals. 

Section  I. 

FROM   THE   DECISION    OF    A    CLASS. 

Should  any  member  be  dissatisfied  with  the  decision 
of  a  church  or  class,  or  committee  of  a  church  or  class,  an 
appeal  may  be  had  to  the  next  quarterly  conference  by 
giviing  notice  thereof  to  the  preacher  in  charge,  or  the 
secretary  of  the  trial,  within  thirty  days  after  said  trial, 
together  with  the  reasons  for  such  appeal ;  and  it  shall  b? 
the  duty  of  the  secretary  to  furnish  the  quarterly  confer- 
ence with  a  certified  copy  of  the  proceedings  of  the  trial 
and  of  the  notice  of  the  appeal. 

Section  II. 
from  the  decision  of  a  quarterly  conference. 
Any  member  of  a  quarterly  conference  dissatisfied  with 
the  decision  thereof,  may  appeal  to  the  ensuing  annual  con- 
ference, within  thirty  days  after  the  quarterly  conference, 
by  giving  notice  to  the  secretary,  in  writing,  of  his  inten- 
tion to  appeal,  together  with  his  reasons  for  so  doing ;  and 
it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  secretary  to  furnish  a  certified 
copy  of  the  proceedings,  the  notification,  and  the  reasons 
assigned,  to  the  annual  conference. 

Section  III. 

COURT  OF  appeals. 

1.  Any  member  of  an  annual  conference,  when  dissatis- 
fied with  the  decision  thereof,  shall  have  a  right  to  appeal 
to  a  judicial  court,  which  shall  be  constituted  and  governed 
as  hereinafter  stated. 

2.  Each  annual  conference,  at  the  first  session  subse- 
quent to  the  session  of  the  General  Conference,  shall  elect 
by  ballot  two  members  of  the  court,  who  shall  hold  oflace 
for  four  consecutive  years. 

3.  In  case  of  an  appeal  from  an  annual  conference  in 
form  and  manner  hereinafter  set  forth,  the  presiding  bishop 
of  said  conference  shall,  at  such  time  and  place  as  he  may 
determine,  call  together  seven  of  the  members  of  the  court 

76 


APPEALS  77 

most  accessible  to  the  conference  from  which  the  appeal  is 
taken,  who,  thus  called  together,  shall  constitute  an  appellate 
court  to  hear  and  determine  said  appeal. 

4.  This  court  shall  organize  by  electing  a  chairman  and 
some  competent  person   as  secretary. 

5.  The  secretary  shall  receive  and  hold  all  papers  and 
records  pertaining  to  said  appeal,  subject  to  the  order  of 
the  chairman  ;  keep  a  true  record  of  all  proceedings  of  said 
court,  and  certify  the  decision  thereof  to  the  annual  con- 
ference from  whitch  the  appeal  is  taken,  and  also  to  the 
appellant. 

G.  Five  of  these  members  shall  be  necessary  to  consti- 
tute a  quorum,  and  four  must  agree  on  a  verdict.  The 
court  may  affirm  or  reverse  the  finding  and  decision  of  the 
annual  conference,  or  affirm  in  part  and  reverse  in  part ; 
but  it  shall  not  reverse  the  same,  nor  remand  the  case  for 
a  new  trial  on  account  of  errors  plainly  not  affecting  the 
result. 

7.  The  decision  of  this  court  shall  in  all  cases  be  final, 
except  when  the  objections  are  taken  on  the  ground  that 
the  proceedings  were  irregular  in  the  application  of  law, 
and  said  objections  are  entered  before  the  verdict  of  the 
court  is  announced.  In  case  of  appeal  from  the  court  under 
this  clause,  the  appellant  must  give  notice  within  thirty 
days  to  the  secretary  of  the  court,  \(^ho  shall  send  a  copy 
of  all  proceedings  in  said  case  to  the  General  Conference. 

8.  In  case  of  an  appeal  from  the  decision  of  an  annual 
conference,  the  appellant  must  give  written  notice  to  the 
secretary  of  said  conference  within  thirty  days  after  the 
adjournment  thereof,  setting  forth  both  his  intention  to 
appeal  and  the  reasons  for  so  doing. 

9.  On  receipt  of  a  notice  of  appeal,  the  secretary  of  the 
conference  shall  immediately  notify  the  presiding  bishop, 
and,  on  notice  from  said  bishop,  transmit  a  copy  of  the 
proceedings  of  the  conference  in  said  case  to  said  court  of 
appeal. 

10.  The  necessary  expenses  incurred  in  the  assembling 
of  said  court  shall  be  paid  by  the  appellant,  if  the  appeal  is 
not  sustained ;  if  the  appeal  is  sustained,  the  annual  con- 
ference in  which  the  appeal  is  made  shall  pay  the  expenses, 
and  the  appellant  shall,  in  all  cases,  at  the  time  the  notice 
of  appeal  is  given,  deposit  with  the  secretary  of  said  an- 
nual conference  security  for  the  payment  of  sai'^.  expenses, 
in  an  amount  fixed  by  said  secretary. 


PART  III 

Social  Service  and  Moral  Reform 
CHAPTER  XI. 

Special  rules. 
Section  I. 

SOCIAL    SERVICE. 

Inasmuch  as  existing  social  and  industrial  conditions  call 
for  wise  and  firm  Iparlprship  from  the  churches,  the  Churc:i 
of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ  stands : 

1.  For  equal  rights  and  complete  justice  for  all  men  in 
all  stations  of  life. 

2.  For  the  protection  of  the  family,  by  the  single  stand- 
ard of  purity,  uniform  divorce  laws,  proper  regulation  of 
marriage,  and  proper  housing. 

3.  For  the  fullest  possible  development  for  every  child, 
especially  by  the  provision  of  proper  education  and  recrea- 
tion. 

4.  The  abolition  of  child  labor. 

5.  For  such  regulation  of  the  conditions  of  toil  for 
women  as  shall  safeguard  the  physical  and  moral  health  of 
the  community. 

6.  For  such  consideration  of  the  causes  of  poverty  as 
win  lead  to  their  prevention  and  abatement. 

7.  For  the  absolute  prohibition  of  the  manufacture  and 
sale  of  alcoholic  liquor  by  state  and  federal  enactment  be- 
cause of  the  social,  economic,  and  moral  waste  of  the  liquor 
traflBc. 

8.  For  the  conservation  of  health. 

9.  For  the  protection  of  the  worker  from  dangerous  ma- 
chinery, occupational  diseases,  and  mortality. 

10.  For  the  right  of  all  men  to  the  opportunity  for 
self-maintenance,  for  safe-guarding  this  right  against  en- 
croachments of  every  kind,  and  for  the  protection  of  workers 
from  the  hardships  of  enforced  employment. 

11.  For  old  age  and  unemployment  insurance,  and  for 
adequate  federal  action  touching  our  unemployment  problem. 

12.  For  the  right  of  employees  and  employers  aliike  to 
organize  for  adequate  means  of  conciliation  and  arbitration 
in  industrial   disputes. 

78 


SOCIAL    SERVICE    AND    MORAL    REFORM  79 

13.     For  a  release  from  employment  one  day  in  sevenu 
tA.     For    the    gradual    and    reasonable    reduction    of    the 
hours  of  labor  to  the  lowest  practicable  point,  and  for  that 
degree  of  leisure  for  all  which  is  a  condition  of  the  highest 
human  life. 

15.  For  a  living  wage  as  a  minimum  in  every  industry, 
and  for  the  highest  wage  that  each  industry  can  afford. 

16.  For  a  new  emphasis  upon  the  application  of  Chris- 
tian principles  to  the  acquisition  and  use  of  property,  and 
for  the  most  equitable  division  of  the  product  of  industry 
that  can  be  ultimately  devised. 


Section  II. 

TEMPERANCE. 

Intoxicating  Drinks. 

1.  The  making,  vending,  and  using  of  intoxicating 
drinks  as  a  beverage,  the  renting  and  leasing  of  property 
to  be  used  for  the  manufacture  or  sale  of  such  drinks,  also 
the  signing  of  petitions  for  granting  liscense,  or  the  enter- 
ing as  bondsmen  for  persons  engaged  in  the  traflBc  in  in- 
toxicating drinks,  are  strictly  prohibited ;  and  should  any 
of  our  members  be  found  guilty  in  these  respects,  they  shall 
be  dealt  with  as  in  the  case  of  other  immoralities ;  this 
rule,  however,  shall  not  be  so  constructed  as  to  prevent  drug- 
gists and  others  from  the  vending  and  using  of  alcohol  for 
medicinal  or  mechanical  purposes. 

Temperance  Commission. 

2.  There  shall  be  a  permanent  temperance  commission, 
consisting  cf  one  minister  and  one  layman  from  each 
bishop's  district,  to  be  appointed  by  the  board  of  bishops. 
The  duties  of  this  commission  shall  be :  To  keep  in  close 
touch  with  similar  organizations  in  other  churches ;  to  ap- 
point or  to  authorize  the  appointment  of  delegates  to  local  or 
national  bodies ;  to  collect  funds  for  the  expenses  of  corre- 
spondence and  suitable  literature. 

3.  The  last  Sunday  in  November  of  each  year  shall  be 
observed  as  Temperance  Day,  but  where  an  annual  field-day 
is  observed  under  the  auspices  of  an  organized  temperance 
agency  this  shall  be  a  substitute,  when  desirable,  for  the 
Temperance  Day. 


80  DISCIPLINE 

Tobacco. 
4.  We  believe  that  the  use  of  tobacco  in  any  form  is 
injurious  to  body,  mind,  and  moral  nature,  and  a  needless 
waste  of  money  which  could  and  should  be  otherwise  applied ; 
and  we  kindly  advise  all  our  members  to  abstain  from  its 
use. 

Section  III. 

SABBATH   OBSERVANCE. 

The  Sabbath  day  is  ordained  of  God  as  a  day  of  physical 
rest  and  of  spiritual  improvement,  and  the  perpetuity  of 
our  civil  and  religious  institutions  demands  its  proper  ob- 
servance. The  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  in 
view  of  the  growing  tendency  to  profane  the  day,  as  seen  in 
the  open  saloon,  the  beer-garden,  the  base-ball  games,  the 
social  dance,  excursion  trains,  unnecessary  labor,  the  increas- 
ing apathy  of  the  masses  to  attend  the  public  service  of  the 
church,  and  the  disregard  of  God's  command  to  "remember 
the  sabbath  day  to  keep  it  holy."  earnestly  counsels  all  its 
members  to  abstain  from  everything  that  does  not  contribute 
in  the  highest  degree  to  their  spiritual  growth.  Our  minis- 
ters and  general  officers  of  the  Church  are  advised  to  be 
examples  to  the  flock  over  which  the  Holy  Ghost  hath  made 
them   overseers. 

Section  IV. 

SLAVERY. 

All  slavery,  in  every  sense  of  the  word,  is  totally  pro- 
hibited, and  shall  in  no  v^ay  be  tolerated  m  our  Church.^ 

Section  V. 

SECRET   combinations. 

1.  A  secret  combination  is  a  secret  league  or  confeder- 
ation of  persons  holding  principles  and  laws  at  variance 
with  the  Word  of  God  and  injurious  to  Christian  character, 
as  evidenced  in  individual  life,  and  infringing  upon  the  nat- 
ural, social,  political,  or  religious  rights  of  those  outside  its 
pale. 

2.  Any  member  or  minister  of  our  Church  found  in  con- 
nection  with   such   combination   shall    be   dealt   with    as   in 


*Thl8  law.  In  its  essential  character,  was  adopted  by  the  Gen- 
eral Conference  in  1821,  Bishops  Newcomer  and  Zeller  presiding. 


SOCIAL    SERVICE    AND    MORAL    REFORM  81 

Other  cases  of  disobedience  to  the  order  and  discipline  of 
the  Church  ;  in  case  of  members,  as  found  in  Chapter  IV.. 
Section  III,,  and  in  case  of  ministers,  as  found  in  Chapter 
VI.,  Section  IX. 


SIection  VI. 

OATHS. 

We  believe  that  the  mode  of  testifying  to  the  truth  when 
required  to  do  so  in  a  legal  form,  by  way  of  affirmation,  is 
on  us  solemnly,  conscientiously,  and  fully  binding,  before 
God,  to  tell  the  truth,  the  whole  truth,  and  nothing  but  the 
truth. 


Section  VII. 

WAR. 

We  most  positively  record  our  disapproval  of  engagi'ng  in 
voluntary  national  aggressive  warfare ;  yet  we  recognize 
the  rightful  authority  of  the  civil  government,  and  hold  it 
responsible  for  the  preservation  and  defense  of  our  national 
compact  against  treason  or  invasion  by  any  belligerent  force, 
and  we  believe  it  to  be  entirely  consistent  with  the  spirit 
of  Christianity  to  bear  arms  when  called  upon  to  do  so  by 
the  properly-constituted  authorities  of  our  Government  for 
its  preservation  and  defense. 

Section  VIII. 

DIVORCE. 

1.  We  believe  that  the  marriage  relation  is  of  divine 
authority ;  that  it  is  the  mutual  union  of  one  man  and 
one  woman  ;  that  the  obligation  is  most  sacred,  and  morally 
binding  so  long  as  both  shall  live,  and  therefore  cannot  be 
dissolved  at  will,  nor  should  it  be  by  a  decree  of  a  civil 
tribunal,  except  on  evidence  that  one  party  is  guilty  of 
adultery. 

2.  On  positive  evidence  of  such  guilt  the  innocent  party 
i"s  free  from  further  matrimonial  obligations  and  justly  en- 
titled to  a  divorce  and  to  marry  again,  but  the  guilty  party 
has  no  such  right. 

3.  We  deny  the  right  of  marriage  to  both  parties  who 
have  been  divorced  for  other  causes  than  adultery. 


82  nisciPLiNE 

4.  Any  person  sustaining  a  marriage  relation  contrary 
to  that  above  recognized  as  justifiable  shall  be  ineligible  to 
the  ofEce  of  the  ministry  of  this  Church. 

5.  No  minister  of  this  Church  shall  knowingly  solemnize 
the  marriage  of  two  persons,  either  of  whom  has  been 
divorced  for  other  than  the  above  justifiable  cause,  and  shall 
be  amenable  to  the  Church  for  disobedience  to  the  order 
thereof. 

6.  Every  pastor  shall  be  required  to  preach  at  least  once 
a  year  on  the  sanctity  of  the  home,  and  to  warn  his  people 
against  the  debasing  influences  that  imperil   our  home  life. 


PART  IV 

Property 

CHAPTER  XII. 

Church-Houses    and    Parsonages, 

Electing  Trustees. 

1.  Whenever  it  is  contemplated  to  purchase  or  build  a 
church-house  or  parsonage,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of-  any 
member  to  make  it  known  to  the  quarterly  conference  of 
the  circuit  or  station  to  which  he  belongs.  The  quarterly 
conference  shall  then  elect  a  board  of  trustees  of  not  less 
than  three  persons,  or  as  the  law  of  the  State  may  require : 
provided,  however,  that  at  least  a  majority  of  said  board 
shall  be  members  of  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in 
Christ.  The  trustees  shall  hold  their  office  during  the  pleas- 
ure of  the  quarterly  conference. 

Vacancies. 

2.  When  vacancies  occur  in  a  board  of  trustees  it  shall 
be  the  duty  of  the  quarterly  conference  to  elect  suitable 
persons  to  fill  such  vacancies,  and  the  secretary  of  the  board 
of  trustees  shall  see  that  the  records  of  the  county  wherein 
such  board  may  reside  shall  correspond  with  the  facts  in  the 
case  according  as  the  law  of  the  State  may  require,  after 
such  vacancies  have  been   filled. 

Duties  of  Trustees. 

3.  The  trustees  shall  meet  annually,  and  shall  organize, 
if  a  new,  or  reorganize  if  an  old  board,  by  electing  from  their 
number  the  following  officers  ;  namely,  a  president,  secretary, 
and  treasurer.  Special  meetings  may  be  called  by  the  presi- 
dent or  by  a  majority  of  the  members  of  the  board. 

4.  The  secretary  shall  keep  a  correct  record  of  all  busi- 
ness transactions  of  the  board  in  a  book  provided  for  that 
purpose,  which  shall  at  all  times  be  open  for  the  inspection 
of  the  official  board  and  the  quarterly  conference,  as  well 
as  of  the  board  of  trustees. 

83 


84  DISCIPLINE 

5.  The  treasurer  shall  receive  all  funds  of  the  board  for 
church-house,  cemetery,  or  parsonage  purposes,  and  pay 
out  the  same  under  the  direction  of  the  board,  on  regularly- 
drawn  orders  signed  by  the  president  and  secretary,  and 
report  the  financial  condition  at  their  several  meetings,  and 
to  the  quarterly  conference  at  least  once  each  year. 

6.  No  board  of  trustees  shall  begin  the  building  of  a 
church-house  or  parsonage  without  first  submitting  their 
plans  and  estimates  of  lot,  or  lots,  and  building  to  the 
official  board  or  quarterly  conference  for  consideration,  ap- 
proval and  direction.  Nor  shall  they  proceed  to  buy  or 
build  without  first  procuring  an  incorporation  of  their  board 
such  as  the  State  requires,  and  approved  by  the  board  of 
annual,  conference  trustees,  nor  without  securing  and  re- 
cording a  legal  deed  to  themselves  and  their  successors  in 
office  in  trust  for  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in 
Christ,  for  the  real  estate  which  they  purchase,  nor  until 
they  have  the  necessary  means  either  in  hand  or  sufficiently 
assured,  thus  securing  harmony  of  action,  and  avoiding  the 
encumbering  of  houses  of  worship  and  parsonages  with  em- 
barrassing  debts. 

7.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  board  of  trustees  to  take 
charge  of  all  the  church  property,  employ  janitors,  fur- 
nish light  and  fuel,  keep  the  property  insured,  and  look 
carefully  after  other  wants  from  time  to  time. 

8.  For  the  raising  of  funds  for  extraordinary  expenses, 
such  as  building  churches,  or  making  extensive  repairs,  or 
paying  large  debts,  the  trustees  may  devise  such  measures 
as  may  be  deemed  best,  and  report  the  same  to  the  official 
board  or  quarterly  conference  for  approval  and  co-operation. 

Sale  and  Rent  of  Church-Houses  and  Parsonages. 

9.  The  quarterly  conference  may  authorize  the  board  of 
trustees  to  lease,  rent,  or  sell  church  or  parsonage  prop- 
erty within  its  jurisdiction ;  provided,  however,  that  said 
proceeds  shall  be  used  in  purchasing,  repairing,  or  building 
new  church  or  parsonage  property  within  its  bounds,  except 
the  interest  or  rents  accruing  from  parsonage  property, 
which  may  be  applied  to  pay  rent  on  the  house  occu- 
pied by  the  pastor.  Provided  further,  that  no  church-house 
shall  be  sold  that  would  result  in  the  discontinuation  or 
disorganization  of  a  class,  without  the  consent  of  the  &ry 
nual  conference  within  the  bounds  of  which  said  property 
is  located.     An  exchange  of  church  property  for  the  purpose 


PROPERTY  85 

of  federation  with  a  church  of  another  denomination  in  the 
coramunitj'  may  be  effected,  when  so  desired,  upon  approval 
of  the  annual  conference. 

Conditions   of    Mortgages    and    Liens. 

10.  No  board  of  trustees  shall  have  power  to  mortgage 
or  to  place  a  lien  of  any  kind  on  real  estate  of  the  United 
Brethren  in  Christ,  except  for  the  purchase  of  such  real 
estate,  or  the  erection  of  necessary  buildings,  or  for  repair- 
ing, or  otherwise  improving  the  same. 

Unused    Church-Houses. 

11.  When  a  house  of  worship  outside  of  the  jurisdiction 
of  any  quarterly  conference  ceases  to  be  used  by  our  own 
people  for  preaching  or  other  religious  purposes,  ft  shall  be 
the  duty  of  the  conference  superintendent  of  the  district  in 
which  such  house  is  located  to  report  to  the  annual  confer- 
ence, which  body  shall  authorize  the  board  of  conference 
trustees  to  rent,  lease,  or  sell  such  house  of  worship,  as  they 
may  deem  advisable,  and  report  their  proceedings  to  the  an- 
nual conference,  and  that  body  shall  have  power  to  use 
the  proceeds  to  pay  debts  on  other  houses  of  worship,  build 
new  houses  of  worship,  or  turn  the  money  into  the  funds  of 
the  conference  church  extension  society,  or  conference 
church  erection  society,  as  may  seem  proper,  at  its  own  dis- 
cretion ;  provided,  that  in  no  case  shall  a"  church-house  and 
its  premises  be  sold  without  the  consent  of  the  annual  con- 
ference within  whose  bounds  it  is  located.  A  conference  in 
which  there  is  no  board  of  conference  trustees  shall  have 
power  to  elect  such  a  board. 

Abandoned  Parsonages. 

12.  Should  any  parsonage  be  permanently  abandoned  as 
such,  the  superintendent  of  the  district  in  which  such  parson- 
age is  located  shall  report  the  same  to  the  annual  conference, 
which  body  shall  authorize  the  board  of  conference  trustees 
to  rent,  lease,  or  sell  such  parsonage  and  report  their  pro- 
ceedings to  the  next  annual  conference,  which  body  shall 
have  power  to  use  the  money  to  pay  debts  on  other  parson- 
ages or  in  building  new  ones  within  its  borders,  or  to  turn 
the  money  into  the  conference  church  extension  society, 
or  conference  church  erection  society.  Where  there  is  no 
board  of  conference  trustees  the  conference  shall  have  power 
to  elect  such  a  board. 


86  DISCIPLINE 

Transfer  of  Churches. 

13.  When  a  lot  is  deeded  to  an  English  United  Breth- 
ren church,  or  to  a  German  United  Brethren  church,  and 
one  or  the  other  ceases  to  exist  in  an  organized  form,  by 
deaths,  removals,  expulsions,  or  otherwise,  or  when  a 
majority  of  the  members  of  said  church  shall  decide  to 
change  either  from  the  German  to  the  English,  or  vice 
tiersa.  then  the  church  remaining  shall  have  full  right  to 
make  such  improvements  or  repairs  on  said  lot  as  may 
be  desirable  for  the  purposes  of  worship,  and  shall  be  en- 
titled to  peaceful  possession. 

Division  of  Interest. 

14.  In  cases  where  fields  of  labor  having  parsonages  upon 
them  are  divided,  the  disposition  of  said  parsonages  shall 
be  submitted  to  a  board  of  arbitration,  consisting  of  three 
members  of  the  Church,  one  to  be  chosen  by  each  quarterly 
conference  and  the  third  by  these  two,  to  whom  the  whole 
matter  shall  be  referred,  their  decision  of  the  case  being 
final.  In  cases  where  more  than  two  quarterly  conferences 
are  interested,  the  same  plan  shall  be  pursued.  In  case  this 
plan  fails  the  quarterly  conferences  shall  instruct  the  con- 
ference superintendent  to  appoint  a  committee  of  three  per- 
sons, all  members  of  our  Church  but  none  of  them  residents 
or  members  of  eiither  of  the  fields  affected,  and  their  decision 
shall  be  final;  provided,  however,  that  such  action  shall  be 
taken  within  two  years  of  such  division. 

Real  Estate. 

15.  Other  real  estate  held  for  church  or  parsonage  pur- 
poses shall  be  subject  to  the  same  regulations  as  houses  of 
worship  and  parsonages. 

Conference  or  District  Property. 

16.  Where  there  is  no  provision  by  the  laws  of  the 
State  for  the  incorporation  of  religious  organizations,  and 
there  is  property  that  belongs  to  a  district  or  conference, 
such  as  parsonages  for  the  use  of  bishops  or  conference 
superintendents,  said  conference  or  the  conferences  of  said 
district  may  elect  a  board  of  trustees,  who  shall  be  members 
of  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  residing 
within  the  district  or  conference,  who  shall  have  the  right  to 
receive  deeds  for  such  property  and  power  to  lease,  rent,  or 
sell  the  same. 


PROPERTY 


87 


17.  Any  quarterly  conference  that  has  appointed  trus- 
tees for  a  bishop's  parsonage  shall  fill  all  vacancies  under 
the  direction  of  the  co-operating  conferences. 


PART  V 

Boards,   Departments,  and   Institutions 

CHAPTER  XI 11. 

Board  of  Church  Trustees. 

1.  Be  it  ordained  by  the  General  Conference  of  the 
Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  That  there 
shall  be  an  incorporated  board  of  trustees  for  the  Church 
of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  consisting  of  twelve  mem- 
bers, a  majority  of  whom  shall  be  citizens  of  Ohio,  elected 
by  the  General  Conference  of  said  Church  for  a  term  of  four 
years,  or  until  their  successors  are  elected.  Said  board  shall 
be  known  as  the  Trustees  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ, 
and  its  headquarters  shall  be  in  Dayton,  Ohio. 

2.  The  organization  of  this  board  shall  be  effected 
at  its  first  regular  meeting  of  each  quadrennium  by  the 
election  of  a  president  and  secretary,  and  it  shall  thereafter 
reorganize  annually.  The  general  Church  treasurer  shall 
be  the  treasurer  of  this  body.  It  shall  meet  on  the  call  of 
the  president  annually,  or  whenever  the  president  and  secre- 
tary may  determine.  The  board  may  elect  an  executive 
committee  with  authority  to  transact  any  necessary  business 
in  the  interim  of  the  board's  sessions,  subject  to  the  approval 
of  the  board. 

3.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  board  to  receive,  hold  in 
trust,  or  apply,  for  the  benefit  of  the  Church  of  the  United 
Brethren  in  Christ,  any  and  all  funds,  donations,  grants, 
and  bequests  that  may  be  given,  directed,  or  conveyed  to 
such  board  or  to  the  United  Brethren  Church  as  such,  for 
any  benevolent  purpose  whatever.  All  such  funds  and  the 
proceeds  thereof  shall  be  applied  in  harmony  with  the 
specified  purpose  of  the  donors,  or  in  the  absence  of  such 
specifications,   as  the  board  may   determine. 

4.  The  board  shall  report  quadrennially  to  the  Gen- 
eral Conference  of  said  Church  all  funds  and  property 
received  for  the  Church  and  the  disposition  made  of  the 
same,  and  shall  be  answerable  to,  and  under  the  direction 
of  said  General  Conference. 


88 


BOARD   OF    ADMINISTRATION  89 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

Board  of  Administration. 

Organization. 

1.  The  general  Board  of  Administration  shall  consist  of 
the  bishops,  cx-offtcio,  and  one  minister  and  one  layman 
for  every  fifty  thousand  members  or  fraction  thereof  from 
each  bishop's  district  in  the  United  States,  to  be  elected  by 
the  General  Conference.  The  General  Conference  shall  elect 
an  executive  secretary. 

2.  The  board  shall  meet  after  the  adjournment  of  General 
Conference  on  the  call  of  the  senior  bishop.  It  shall  elect  a 
chairman  and  recording  secretary,  and  such  committees  as 
shall  be  needed.  It  shall  have  power  to  appoint  its  times 
and  places  of  meeting  during  the  Quadrennium. 

3.  The  board  shall  have  power  to  fill  any  vacancies  in 
its  own  body  which  may  occur  during  the  quadrenuium. 

Duties  of  the  Board. 

4.  The  Board  of  Administration  is  entrusted  with  the 
promotion  of  the  financial  plan  of  the  Church. 

5.  The  board  shall  provide  for  the  General  Conference 
expense  fund. 

0.  The  board  shall  direct  general  campaigns  during  the 
quadrennium  to  attain  such  Church  goals  as  have  been  de- 
termined by  the  General  Conference. 

7.  The  board  shall  receive  reports  from  the  general 
Church  treasurer,  and  to  it  he  shall  be  responsible  for  the 
faithful  performance  of  his  duties. 

8.  The  board  shall  direct  the  auditing  of  the  accounts 
of  all  departments  of  the  Church,  with  a  view  to  securing 
such  uniformity  of  method  and  completeness  of  form  as  shall 
be  most  eSicient,  and  shall  give  any  needed  information  to 
the  Church. 

9.  The  board  shall  plan  and  put  into  execution  a  cam- 
paign for  the  raising  of  a  pension  fund  for  aged  ministers. 

10.  The  board  shall  fill  any  vacancies  in  General  Confer- 
ence offices  that  may  occur  during  the  quadrenuium,  in 
case  there  is  no  specific  board  charged  with  that  duty,  and 
no  provision  of  the  Discipline  to  fill  such  oflice. 

11.  The  board  shall  be  the  co-ordinating  body  for  the 
entire  denomination,  acting  with  the  bishops,  to  secure  har- 
mony and  efiiciency  in  the  plans  of  all  Church  departments. 


90  DISCIPLINE. 

In  exercising  this  function,  it  shall  have  on  advisory  rela- 
tion to  all  departments  as  to  business  methods  and  plans. 

12.  The  board  shall  recommend  to  succeeding  General 
Conferences  such  changes  in  the  Discipline  and  plans  of 
organization,  and  such  methods  of  co-operation  as  it  believes 
will  increase  the  efficiency  and  co-ordinate  the  work  of  the 
entire  Church,  its  recommendations  to  be  printed  and  mailed 
to  each  delegate  to  the  next  General  Conference  at  least 
thirty  days  before  the  convening  of  the  conference. 

13.  The  board  shall  study  the  charters  of  institutions 
and  societies  of  the  Church,  and  supply  the  General  Con- 
ference any  needed  information. 

Note  :  The  Board  of  Administration  was  authorized  to 
devise  a  practical  plan  by  which  delegates  to  the  General 
Conference  may  be  provided  with  advance  reports  of  the 
departments. 


BOARD    OF   ADMINISTRATION  91 


CHAPTER  XV. 

Financial  Plan  of  the  Church. 

Board  of  Administration. 

1.  The  general  Board  of  Administration  shall  promote 
the  financial  plan  of  the  Cliurch,  encourage  the  study  and 
practice  of  Christian  stewaivlship,  give  publicity  to  plans 
and  methods,  re-enforce  the  departments  in  securing  funds, 
and  aid  in  attaining  the  financial  goals  fixed  by  the  General 
Conference. 

Apportionment  and   Division  of  Funds. 

2.  (1)  The  Board  of  Administration  shall  apportion  the 
General  Conference  budget  to  the  annual  conferences,  and 
determine  the  ratio  of  distribution  of  the  benevolence  budget 
to  the  boards  whose  support  from  the  budget  is  authorized 
by  the  General  Conference. 

(2)  The  annual  conferences  shall  make  an  apportion- 
ment of  the  general  benevolence  budget,  including  the  annual 
conference  budget,  to  the  various  charges  in  the  conference. 
The  entire  amount  collected  from  the  various  charges  in  the 
conference  shall  be  divided  between  the  general  benevolence 
budget  and  the  annual  conference  budget  on  the  basis  of  the 
proportion  that  each  sustains  to  the  entire  budget.  The 
amount  of  the  general  benevolence  budget  shall  be  trans- 
mitted immediately  to  the  general  Church  treasurer  at 
Dayton,  Ohio,  who  shall  at  once  send  a  copy  of  the  receipts 
to  the  various  departments.  The  general  Church  treasurer 
shall  credit  to  the  various  departments  the  amounts  due 
them  from  this  fund  on  the  basis  of  the  proportion  that  the 
apportionment  for  them  to  that  conference  sustains  to  the 
entire  general  benevolence  budget  for  said  conference. 

(3)  Should  an  annual  conference  consider  its  apportion- 
ment excessive,  it  may  confer  with  the  general  Board  of  Ad- 
ministration for  adjustment  of  the  apportionment. 

The  Annual  Conference. 

3.  (1)  There  shall  be  in  each  annual  conference  a  fin- 
ance committee  composed  of  the  conference  superintendents 
and  an  equal  number  of  ministers  and  laymen  elected  by  the 
annual  conference  who  shall  arrange  for  the  annual  con- 
ference budget  and  apportion  it  to  the  various  charges.  This 
committee  shall  co-operate  with  the  committee  in  the  local 


92  DISCIPLINE 

church  and  the  general  Board  of  Administration  in  working 
out  the  financial  plan  on  each  charge. 

(2)  The  annual  conference  budget  shall  consist  of  the 
apportionment  of  the  general  budget,  plus  the  annual  con- 
ference benevolences,  which  shall  include  the  apportionment 
for  the  educational  institutions  with  which  the  conference 
co-operates.  In  fixing  the  amount  to  be  apportioned  to  the 
annual  conference  benevolences  consideration  should  b'i  given 
to  the  real  needs  and  the  present  and  past  giving  of  the 
conferences  to  these  benevolences.  The  conference  committee 
shall  report  to  the  annual  conference  the  entire  conference 
budget  and  the  amount  included  for  each  interest  for  ad- 
justment and  adoption, 

(3)  In  apportioning  this  budget  to  the  various  charges, 
the  conference  committee  shall  be  governed  by  the  ability 
and  the  standard  of  giving  of  the  local  church  or  churches. 

(4)  The  entire  amount  collected  from  the  various 
charges  in  the  conference  shall  be  divided  between  the  gen- 
eral benevolence  budget  and  the  conference  budget  on  the 
basis  of  the  proportion  that  each  sustains  to  the  entire 
budget. 

(5)  All  conference  benevolence  work  shall  first  be  ap- 
proved by  the  conference  committee  on  finance  before  being 
presented  to  the  local  churches.  i 

(6)  Should  any  charge  consider  the  apportionment  ma'3'e 
by  the  annual  conference  as  excessive,  the  ofiicial  body  of 
the  charge  may  confer  with  the  conference  committee  on 
finance  for  readjustment. 

The  Local  Church. 
4,      (1)      Each  local  church  shall  give  special  attention  to 
systematic    instruction    in    Christian    stewardship    and    the 
methods  of  finance  recommended  by  the  committee. 

(2)  The  official  board  shall  elect  a  benevolence  com- 
mittee in  each  local  church  which  in  conjunction  with  the 
pastor  shall  provide  for  the  benevolence  offerings  of  the 
church. 

(3)  The  benevolence  committee  shall  direct  an  every- 
member  canvass  of  the  members  and  supporters  of  the 
church  for  an  offering  on  the  weekly  basis  for  the  benevo- 
lence budget.  This  canvass  when  possible  shall  be  made  at 
a  different  time  from  that  for  the  current  expense  budget. 

(4)  It  is  recommended  by  the  General  Conference  that 
pastors  and  official  boards  give  the  official  benevolences  the 


BOARD    OF    ADMINISTRATION  93 

r 
right  of  way  before  allowing  special  and  outside  local  benev- 
olences to  be  presented  to  their  congregations ;  furthermore, 
such    appeals   shall   be   presented   only    after   they   have   the 
endorsement  of  the  official  board. 

Plan  of  Finance  for  the  Local  Church. 

5.  (1)  The  official  board  or  the  quarterly  conference 
shall  arrange  a  budget  for  the  current  expenses,  including 
the  pastor's  salary,  the  conference  superintendent's  salary 
unless  otherwise  provided  by  the  annual  conference,  and  all 
the  other  local  church  expenses  for  the  year. 

(2)  A  committee  on  finance  shall  be  elected  by  the  offi- 
cial board.  This  committee  shall  provide  for  a  personal 
canvass  of  the  members  and  supporters  of  the  church  for 
an  annual  pledge  on  the  weekly  basis,  and  when  practical 
this  canvass  shall  be  made  prior  to  the  beginning  of  the 
fiscal  year.  This  canvass  can  be  omitted  when  the  scriptural 
plan  has  been  adopted  of  bringing  the  whole  tithe  into  the 
storehouse. 

(3)  The  quarterly  conference  shall  elect  a  financial  secre- 
tary and  two  treasurers,  one  to  care  for  the  current  expense 
fund  and  the  other  for  the  benevolence  offerings  of  the 
church.  The  financial  secretary  shall  keep  an  account  of 
the  offerings  to  both  budgets  in  a  book  provided  for  that 
purpose.  The  treasurer  of  the  benevolence  fund  shall  remit 
to  the  conference  treasurer  monthly.  The  treasurer  of  the 
current  expense  fund  shall  distribute  it  as  ordered  by  the 
official  board. 

The  Sunday  School. 

6.  (1)  A  budget  covering  all  the  current  expenses  of 
the  Sunday  school  may  be  prepared  by  the  proper  officials 
of  the  Sunday  school,  the  same  to  be  submitted  to  the 
church  committee  on  finance  to  be  incorporated  in  the  local 
church's  current  expense  budget.  All  bills  shall  be  paid  by 
the  church  treasurer  on  orders  signed  by  the  superintendent 
and  secretary  of  the  Sunday  school. 

(2)  The  regular  offerings  taken  in  the  Sunday  school 
shall  be  applied  on  the  budgets  adopted  by  the  local  church. 

(3)  When  practical,  the  envelope  system  for  offering  is 
to  be  used,  a  definite  per  cent,  of  the  offering  to  be  appor- 
tioned by  the  Sunday-school  board  to  both  the  current  ex- 
pense and  benevolence  budgets  of  the  local  church.  If  the 
duplex  envelope  is  used,  then  the  amount  indicated  by  the 


94  DISCIPLINE 

giver  shall  go  to  each  budget.     The  every-member  canvass 
plan  may  be  carried  out  in  the  Sunday  school. 

Apportionments. 

7.  (1)  The  benevolence  budget  is  to  be  regarded  as  the 
minimum  and  not  the  maximum  standard  of  giving.  It  is  not 
an  assessment,  but  what  is  asked  of  the  local  church  through 
the  general  Board  of  Administration  to  sustain  the  various 
boards  and  the  work  of  the  conference. 

(2)  Previous  to  the  every-member  canvass  for  both  cur- 
rent expense  and  benevolence  budgets,  there  should  be  special 
sermons  and  inspirational  addresses,  systematic  study  of  the 
financial  plan  of  the  church,  the  needs  of  the  various  boards, 
and  the  work  of  the  annual  conference. 

Teaching  Christian  Stewardship. 

8.  (1)  The  Board  of  Administration  shall  teach  and 
otherwise  promote  the  principles  of  Christian  stewardship, 
as  they  apply  to  life,  talent,  time,  and  all  possessions. 

(2)  The  outstanding  principles  of  Christian  stewardship 
recorded  in  the  Word  of  God  and  fostered  by  the  Church  are 
God's  ownership  and  man's  tenancy.  The  resources  of  the 
earth,  the  mines,  the  forests,  the  fields,  the  cattle  upon  a 
thousand  hills  are  his.  Man,  into  whose  hands  these  things 
are  given,  is  to  administer  them  in  such  a  way  as  to  carry 
out  God's  purposes  in  the  establishment  of  his  kingdom.  In 
his  Word,  three  distinct  statements  are  given  concerning  the 
part  he  has  reserved  for  himself  for  this  purpose :  First, 
"The  tithe  is  the  Lord's" — it  does  not  and  cannot  belong  to 
man ;  second,  "It  is  holy  unto  the  Lord" — a  sacred  thing 
which  we  should  return  devotedly  to  him  ;  third,  "Bring  the 
tithe  into  the  place  Avhich  the  Lord  thy  God  shall  choose  to 
set  his  name  there" — offer  it  with  devotion  in  the  house  or 
place  set  aside  for  his  worship.  On  the  first  day  of  the 
week  we  are  to  worship  by  bringing  an  offering  cheerfully 
as  God  hath  prospered. 


SUNDAY-SCHOOL   WORK  95 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

Department  of  Sunday  School,  Brotherhood,  and 

Young  People's  Work. 

Section  I. 

constitution. 

In  order  to  secure  a  general  and  systematic  study  of  the 

Bible,  the  development  of  the  various  forms  of  men's  work 

in  our  Church,  and  the  training  of  our  young  people  for  the 

best   service,   we   ordain    the   following   constitution   for   the 

departments    to    be    known    as    the    department    of    Sunday 

School    and    Brotherhood    work,    and    the    department    of 

Young  People's  work,  which  departments  shall  be  the  legal 

successors   to   what   was   heretofore   known   as    the   General 

Sunday    School    Board,    the    Men's    Movement,    and    Young 

People's  Christian  Endeavor  Union. 

Article  I. — Board  of  Control. 
The  departments  of  Sun-day  School  and  Brotherhood,  and 
of  Young  People's  work,  shall  be  under  the  direction   of  a 
general  board  of  control. 

Article  II. — Object. 
The  object  of  this  board  shall  be  to  promote   the  organ- 
ization,  growth,   and  efficiency  of   Sunday   schools,   Brother- 
hoods, and  Young  People's  societies,  and  hoM  such  conven- 
tions as  may   be   deemed  wise  and   necessary. 

Article  III. — Members  of  the  Board. 
The  board  shall  be  composed  of  nine  members,  at  least 
five  of  whom  shall  be  laymen,  who  shall  be  elected  by  the 
General  Conference,  together  with  the  editors  of  the  Sun- 
day-school literature,  the  editor  of  the  Watchword,  and  the 
general  publishing  agent.  The  '  bishops  shall  be  ex  officio 
members  of  this  board.  A  majority  of  the  board  shall  con- 
stitute a  quorum. 

Article   IV. — Officers   and   Meetings. 

1.  This  board  shall  be  convened  by  the  senior  bishop 
within  thirty  days  after  election,  and  shall  be  organized  by 
electing  a  president  and  recording  secretary. 

2.  The  general  treasurer  of  the  Church  shall  be  the 
treasurer  of  this  board. 


96  DISCIPLINE 

3.  The  board  shall  meet  annually  in  the  month  of  April 
or  May  on  such  day  or  days  as  it  may  from  time  to  time 
determine ;  other  meetings  may  be  held  upon  the  call  of 
the  president  of  the  board. 

Article  V. — Executive  Committee. 
The  board  shall  elect  five  as  an  executive  committee  for 
the  department  of  Sunday  Schopl  and  Brotherhood  work, 
and  five  as  an  executive  committee  for  the  department  of 
Young  People's  v^'ork,  which  committees  shall  act  in  the 
interims  of  the  board  meetings. 

Article  VI.— Vacancies. 
The  board  shall  be  empowered  to  fill  vacancies  occurring 
during  the  quadrennium. 

Article   VII. — Funds. 

1.  The  sources  of  the  funds  shall  be  an  apportionment 
from  the  Board  of  Administration  an-d  the  offerings  from 
the  observance  of  Children's  Day,  Brotherhood  Day,  and 
Young  People's  anniversary  day. 

2.  The  funds  of  the  department  of  Sunday  School  and 
Brotherhood  work  shall  be  used  to  assist  in  maintaining 
Sunday  schools  in  home  and  foreign  fields,  in  organizing 
and  promoting  the  best  interests  of  Bible  classes.  Brother- 
hoods, leagues,  etc.,  and  for  defraying  the  legitimate  ex- 
penses of  the  department ;  provided  that  the  principal  of  all 
permanent  funds  shall  be  carefully  invested  and  only  the 
income  therefrom  be  expended. 

3.  The  funds  of  the  department  of  Young  People's  work 
shall  be  used  in  promoting  religious  work  among  our  young 
people,  in  providing  for  their  training  in  Christian  service 
throughout  the  entire  denomination,  and  in  helping  to  defray 
the  expenses  of  the  department. 

4.  All  applications  for  literature  for  Sunday  schools  shall 
be  made  through  the  general  secretary,  the  granting  of 
which  request  shall  be  subject  to  regulations  prescribed  by 
the  board  or  executive  committee.  Appropriations  shall  be 
made  only  to  Sunday  schools  conducted  in  harmony  with  the 
disciplinary  provisions  of  the  United  Brethren  Church,  or 
to  schools  giving  satisfactory  evidence  that  they  will  soon 
become  such. 


SUNDAY-SCHOOL   WORK  97 

Article  VIII. — Duties  of  Officers. 

1.  The  president  shall  preside  at  the  meetings  of  th« 
board.  He  shall  also  call  special  meetings  of  the  board  when 
in  his  judgment  and  that  of  the  executive  committee,  it  is 
uecessary. 

2.  The  recording  secretary  shall  keep  an  accurate  record 
of  the  business  transactions  of  the  board  in  a  book  provided 
for  that  purpose,  and  under  direction  of  tlie  president  shall 
issue  the  call  for  the  regular  and  special  sessions  of  the 
board. 

2>.  The  general  Church  treasurer  shall  hold  in  trust  the 
funds  of  the  board  and  disburse  the  same  on  orders  proper- 
ly signed  by  the  chairman  and  secretary  of  the  executive 
committee  of  each  department  respectively. 

4.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  general  secretary  of  the 
department  of  Sunday  School  and  Brotherhood  work,  when 
at  all  practicable,  to  visit  the  conferences  in  the  interest  of 
the  work  of  his  department ;  he  shall  endeavor  to  stimulate 
interest  in  Sunday  schools  and  Brotherhoods  by  presenting 
the  most  approved  methods  of  work ;  he  shall  urge  the  or- 
ganization and  maintenance  of  all  recognized  departments ; 
he  shall  promote  teacher-training  and  shall  urge  the  ob- 
servance of  Children's  Day ;  he  shall  aid  in  developing  Chris- 
tian benevolence  and  interest  in  missions  in  Sunday  schools 
nnd  Brotherhoods ;  he  shall  keep  a  record  of  all  bequests, 
legacies,  notes,  and  other  valuable  papers  coming  into  his 
l)ossession  and  turn  them  over  to  the  general  Church  treas- 
urer for  safe  deposit ;  he  shall  prepare  and  publish  a  quad- 
rennial report  for  the  General  Conference  and  perform  such 
other  duties  as  the  board  may  direct. 

5.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  general  secretary  of  the 
department  of  Young  People's  work  to  plan  for  and  pro- 
mote the  most  approved  methods  of  work  among  our  young 
people ;  to  visit  conferences  and  hold  institutes  in  connection 
with  conference  union  conventions ;  to  consult  with  con- 
ference union  officers  as  to  the  best  ways  of  increasing  the 
efficiency  of  the  local  societies,  to  stimulate  religious  train- 
ing among  our  young  people,  and  to  prepare  reports  and 
perform  such  duties  as  the  board  may  direct. 

Article   IX. — Annual-Conference  Relations  and  Duties. 

1.  Each  annual  conference  shall  elect  annually  a  confer- 
ence board,  consisting  of  five  members.  This  board  shall 
meet  immediately  on  tlie  adjournment  of  the  annual  confer- 


98  DISCIPLINE 

ence   and   organize   by    electing   a   president,    secretary,   and 
treasurer.     The  duties  of  this  board  shall  be  : 

a.  To  stimulate  the  development  of  the  Sunday  school 
and  Brotherhood  work  within  the  bounds  of  the  conference. 

b.  To  appoint  a  conference  elementary  division  superin- 
tendent, and  such  other  officers  as  may  be  found  necessary 
to  promote  the  work  of  the  Sunday  schools  in  the  conference. 

0.  The  secretary  shall  collect  and  preserve  the  statistics 
of  Sunday  schools  and  Brotherhoods  of  the  conference  and 
transmit  a  copy  thereof  to  the  general  secretary  of  the 
department  of  Sunday  School  and  Brotherhood  work. 

d.  It  shall  represent  the  interests  of  this  department  be- 
fore the  annual  conference  and  hold  an  anniversary  service 
at  each  annual  conference  session. 

e.  It  shall  be  allowed  by  the  annual  conference  sufficient 
funds  to  perform  the  duties  outlined  above. 

Article  X. — Pastor  s  Relations. 
The  pastor  shall  have  general  supervision  over  the  Sun- 
day schools,  Brotherhoods,  and  Young  People's  societies  of 
his  charge,  and  shall  be  present  at  their  sessions  as  often 
as  practicable.  He  shall  be  present  and  preside  at  the  re- 
organization of  his  Sunday  schools.  It  shall  be  his  duty  to 
organize  a  Sunday  school  at  each  appointment  on  his  charge 
where  there  is  not  one  already.  He  shall  encourage  the  or- 
ganization of  Young  People's  societies  and  Brotherhoods  on 
his  charge  where  at  all  practicable.  He  shall  furnish  such 
statistics  of  schools,  Brotherhoods,  and  Young  People's  soci- 
eties as  are  required  by  the  annual-conference  chart,  and 
such  other  statistical  information  as  may  be  requested  by 
the  authorized  heads  of  the  departments.  It  shall  also  be 
his  duty  to  see  that  Cliildren's  Day  and  Young  People's  an- 
niversary day  are  observed  and  that  liberal  offerings  are 
taken  upon  these  days  and  sent  to  the  general  Church 
treasurer.  These  offerings  shall  be  in  addition  to  the  con- 
ference apportionment  for  the  general  board. 

Section  II. 

SUNDAY-SCHOOL   WORK. 

Organization    of   Neio    Sunday    Schools. 
In  organizing  a  new  school  the  pastor  shall  pursue  such 
plan  as  he  may  think  advisable  to  s'ecure  a  superintendent, 


SUJNDAY-SCHOOL   WORK  99 

secretary,  and  treasurer.  It  is  desirable  that,  if  possible, 
such  officers  should  be  active  Christians  and  members  of  our 
Church.  They  shall  hold  office  for  one  year,  and  shall  per- 
form the  duties  which  usually  pertain  to  such  offices. 

CONSTITUTION    FOR     A     SUNDAY     SCHOOL. 

It  is  recommended  that  all  the  Sunday  schools  adopt  the 
following  constitution  ;  provided,  that  any  school  may  have 
the  privilege  of  enacting  such  by-laws  for  its  better  regula- 
tion as  will  not  conflict  with  the  constitution. 

Article  I. — Name. 
This  school  shall  be  known  as  the  United  Brethren   Sun 
dky  School  of  . 

Article  II.— Object. 
The  object  of  the  school  shall  be  to  gather  in  all  peopU 
for  the  study  of  the  Bible  and  for  the  study  of  the  various 
activities  of  the  church,  to  secure  th^f  salvation  of  souIp 
to  train  for  Christian  service,  and  to  promote  the  worship  of 
God. 

Article  III. — Officers. 

1.  The  officers  shall  be  the  pastor,  a  general  superintend- 
ent, and  superintendent  for  the  elementary,  the  secondary, 
and  the  adult  divisions,  a  secretary,  a  treasurer,  a  librarian, 
and,  when  desired  by  the  school,  a  chorister  and  organist. 
The  duties  of  these  officers  shall  be  such  as  usually  pertain 
to  such  offices ;  and  whenever  it  is  deemed  necessary  for  the 
interests  of  the  school,  an  assistant  may  be  elected  in  each 
of  these  offices ;  all  of  whom  shall  be  subject  in  their  official 
duties  to  their  superior  officers,  except  in  the  absence  of 
such  superiors. 

2.  There  shall  be  an  executive  committee  of  three  or  five, 
chosen  by  the  school,  a  majority  of  whom  shall  be  members 

of  the  United  Brethren  Church  at  .     The  pastor  and 

superintendent  shall  also  be  members  ex  officio.  It  shall 
be  the  duty  of  this  committee  to  select  and  order  a  suit- 
able amount  of  our  own  literature  and  helps  for  the  school 
from  time  to  time,  and  look  after  the  general  interests  of 
the  school. 

3.  The  executive  committee,  in  conjunction  with  the 
teachers  of  the  school,  may  at  least  one  week  prior  to  the 
time   of   the   annual   election,   nominate   suitable   persons   as 


100  DTSCTPLTNE 

candidates  for  each  of  the  various  offices  of  the  school ; 
provided  that,  on  stations,  if  desirable  to  the  pastor,  the 
election  of  the  superintendent  may  be  by  the  official  board. 

4.  All  elections  in  schools  shall  be  by  ballot,  only  en- 
rolled members  over  twelve  years  of  age  voting. 

5.  The  superintendent,  when  at  all  possible,  shall  be  a 
member  of  the  United  Brethren  Church  in  good  and  regular 
standing.  He,  with  the  approval  of  the  pastor,  shall  ap- 
point the  teachers  ;  provided,  however,  that  regularly  organ- 
ized adult  classes  may  select  their  teachers  subject  to  the 
approval  of  the   superintendent  and  pastor. 

G.  The  pastor  of  the  church  shall  preside  at  each  annual 
election,  whenever  practicable,  and  the  superintendent  eft- 
pastor  shall  preside  at  all  special  elections. 


Article  IV. — Vacancie'i. 
Vacancies  for  unexpired  terms  shall  be  filled  in  the  same 
manner  and  form  as  above  provided  for  annual  reorganiza- 
tion. 


Article  V. — Or()a),ize<l  CJnfiftefi. 
To  promote  greater  efficiency  and  to  increase  attendance 
in  our  Sunday  schools,  it  is  urged  that  all  classes  above  the 
junior  age  be  organized,  and  that  they  secure  their  charters 
from  the  general  secretary  of  the  denominational  Sunday- 
scho(jl  board. 


A  rticle  1 7. — Mission  fi. 
Each  of  our  Sunday  schools,  in  its  auxiliary  relatioushii) 
to  the  Home  Missionary  Society  and  the  Foreign  Missionary 
Society  of  our  Church,  is  expected  to  observe  a  monthly  mis- 
sionary day,  on  which  a  brief  missionary  exercise  shall  be 
rendered  and  a  missionary  offering  taken.  In  places  where 
a  monthly  missionary  day  seems  impracticable,  each  school 
shall  be  required  to  observe  such  a  missionary  day  once  a 
quarter.  The  first  and  third  quarters  of  the  calendar  year 
shall  be  devoted  to  the  study  of  foreign  missions ;  the  second 
and  fourth  quarters  to  the  study  of  home  missions ;  the  offer- 
ings during  these  periods  to  go  to  the  benevolence   budget. 


BROTITEUTIOOD    WORK  101 

Section  III. 

•  BROTHERHOOD   WORK. 

General  Statement. 

A  promising  movement  in  modern  Christianity  is  the  bind- 
ing together  of  men  in  church  brotherhoods  for  personal 
religious  improvement  and  training  for  efficient  service  in 
the  kingdom  of  Christ. 

A  Brotherhood  may  be  comprisev^l  of  a  men's  Bible  class,  a 
federation  of  two  or  more  men's  Bible  classes,  or  may  be  a 
separate  organization  including  all  the  men  in  the  church 
and  community,  providing  it  subscribes  to  the  Brotherhood 
objectives.  The  number  of  committees  may  be  diminished 
or  increased  at  the  discretion  of  the  Brotherhood. 

CONSTITUTION   FOR   A   BROTHERHOOD. 

Article   I. — Name. 
The    name    of    this    organization    shall    be    the    Otterbein 

Brotherhood  of  the  Church,  United  Brethren 

in  Christ. 

Article  II. — Ohject. 
The  purpose  of  this  organization  is  to  promote  the  Broth- 
erhood spirit ;  to  secure  the  salvation,  spiritual  growth  and 
activity  of  our  men  ;  to  create  interest  in  Bible  study  and 
Christian  fellowship  among  men  ;  to  increase  the  efficiency 
of  the  local  church  ;  to  encourage  denominational  loyalty ;  to 
enlist  all  the  men  of  the  community  in  all  tlie  movements  for 
social,  civic,  and  industrial  betterment.  One  of  the  definite 
objects  of  the  Brotherhood  shall  be  to  devise  plans  whereby 
the  boys  of  the  community  may  be  won  to  Christ  and  the 
Church. 

Article  III. — Mem Icrsh ij). 

1.  Any  man  over  sixteen  years  of  age  shall  be  eligible 
to  membership,  if  approved  by  the  executive  committee  and 
elected  by  a  majority  of  the  members  present  at  any  regular 
meeting  of  the  Brotherhood, 

2.  Each  member  shall  be  required  to  pay  a  monthly  due 
of  cents. 

Article  IV. — Meeting  ft. 
1.     Devotional. — The    Brotherhood    may    hold    weekly    or 
monthly    devotional    meetings    for    the    study    of    the    Word, 


102  DISCIPLINE 

prayer,    and    testimony.      All    members    of    the    Brotherhood 
should  be  encouraged  to  take  a  part. 

2.  Business. — Business  meetings  shall  be  held  monthly  oi* 
quarterly  or  oftener  at  the  call  of  the  executive  committee. 

3.     members  present  at  any  regular  or  special 

meeting  shall   constitute   a   quorum   for   the    transaction    of 
business. 

4.  At  the  regular  business  meetings  the  officers  and  chair- 
men of  committees  shall  submit  written  reports  of  work  done. 

Article  V. — Officers. 

1.  The  elective  officers  shall  consist  of  a  president,  vice- 
president,  secretary,  and  treasurer.  They  shall  be  elected 
for  one  year  by  a  majority  of  the  members  present  at  the 
annual  meeting  and  shall  hold  office  until  their  successors 
are  chosen. 

2.  The  president  and  treasurer  shall  be  members  of  the 
local  church  where  this  Brotherhood  is  organized. 

3.  The  pastor  shall  be  a  member  of  the  executive  com- 
mittee. 

Article  VI. — Duties  of  Officers. 

1.  The  president  shall  preside  at  all  business  meetings 
and  shall  be  a  member  ex  officio  of  all  regular  committees. 

2.  The  vice-president  shall  assist  the  president  and  shall 
perform  all  the  duties  of  the  president  in  case  of  the  latter's 
absence  or  disability,  and  may  be  the  director  of  the  boy's 
work  of  the  Brotherhood. 

3.  The  secretary  shall  keep  a  roll  of  the  membership  and 
a  record  of  all  the  proceedings  of  each  business  meeting. 
He  shall  report  the  formation  of  the  Brotherhood  to  the  con- 
ference organization  and  to  the  office  of  the  board  of  con- 
trol of  Sunday  School  and  Brotherhood  work,  and  from 
time  to  time  report  for  publication  items  concerning  the 
progress  of  the  Brotherhood. 

4.  The  treasurer  shall  collect  all  dues,  keep  moneys,  and 
pay  all  bills  upon  the  authorization  of  the  president  and 
secretary.  He  shall  make  a  report  of  all  receipts  and  dis- 
bursements at  the  regular  business  meetings  of  the  Brother- 
hood and  shall  be  a  member  of,  and  report  to,  the  official 
board  and  the  quarterly  conference. 


BROTHERHOOD    WORK  103 

Article   VII. — Standing   Committeefi   and    Their   Duties. 

1.  There  may  be  authorized  seven  standing  committees — 
executive,  membership,  devotional  and  religious  work,  social 
and  fellowship,  Bible,  mission  study  and  Sunday  school, 
moral  reform  work,  and  work  for  boys. 

2.  The  executive  committee  shall  consist  of  the  pastor, 
officers  of  the  Brotherhood,  and  the  chairmen  of  the  standing 
committees.  This  committee  shall  outline  plans  and  aims 
for  the  Brotherhood  and  stimulate  the  different  committees 
in  their  specific  duties. 

3.  The  membership  committee  shall  seek  to  win  new 
members,  prayerfully  follow  up  all  delinquents,  visit  the 
sick,  and  provide  as  far  as  possible  for  the  relief  of  all 
members   in   distress. 

4.  The  devotional  and  religious  work  committee  shall 
provide  leaders  and  topics  for  such  devotional  meetings  as 
shall  be  agreed  upon,  aid  in  building  up  the  church  prayer- 
meeting  and  other  church  services,  and  plan  such  other 
meetings  as  will  promote  the  religious  life  of  boys  and  men. 

5.  The  social  and  fellowship  committee  shall  provide 
social  functions,  welcome  strangers  and  newcomers  to  the 
church  services,  Sunday-school  and  Brotherhood  meetings, 
and  in  every  way  encourage  friendliness  among  men  and 
boys. 

6.  The  Bible,  mission  study  and  Sunday-school  com- 
mittee shall  seek  to  interest  men  in  the  study  of  the  Bible, 
missionary  books  as  authorized  by  our  mission  boards,  and 
co-operate  in  the  organization  of  men's  and  boys*  classes  in 
the  Sunday  school. 

7.  The  moral  reform  committee  shall  bring  to  the  no- 
tice of  the  Brotherhood  all  urgent  problems  of  moral  reform 
and  aid  in  advancing  the  cause  of  civic  righteousness  through 
the  Brotherhood. 

8.  Work  for  boys.  This  committee  shall  labor  earnestly 
to  carry  on  Christian  work  among  boys. 

Article  VIII. — Special  Offering. 
The  Brotherhood  shall  take  an  offering  each  year  in   the 
month  of  January  for  the  board  w^iich  promotes  it. 

Article  IX. — Amendments. 
This  constitution  may  be  amended  at  any  regular  business 
meeting  of  the  Brotherhood  by  a  two-thirds  vote  of  the  mem- 


104  DISCIPLINE 

bers  present,  provided  the  amendment  was  submitted  to  the 
Brotherhood  at  a  previous  meeting. 

Any  by-laws  may  be  adopted  for  increasing  the  eflBciency 
of  the  Brotherhood,  provided  such  are  in  harmony  with  this 
constitution   and   the   Discipline  of   the   Church. 

Section  IV. 

YOUNG    people's    WORK. 

MODEL    CONSTITUTION    FOR    THE    CONFERENCE    CHRISTIAN 

ENDEAVOR    UNION. 

Article  I. — J^ame. 
This  organization  shall  be  called  the  Christian  Endeavor 

Union    of    the Conference    of    the   Church    of    the 

United  Brethren  in  Christ. 

Article  II. — Object. 
The  object  of  this  union  shall  be  to  unite  the  Young  Peo- 
ple's Christian  societies  of  the  conference  for  mutual  help- 
fulness, for  stimulating  church  loyalty,  and  an  intelligent 
interest  in  the  various  Church  enterprises,  and  for  the  or- 
ganization and  extension  of  Young  People's  Christian  so- 
cieties within  the  conference. 

Article  III. — Memhersldp. 

1.  Any  Young  People's  Christian  Endeavor  society,  or 
any  other  Young  People's  Christian  organization  connected 
with  the  United  Brethren  Church  in  this  conference,  may 
be  a  member  of  this  conference  union.  Local  Junior  and 
Intermediate  societies  may  likewise  be  members. 

2.  Each  Yoimg  People's  society  shall  be  entitled  to 

delegates  and  each  Junior  and  Intermediate  to 

delegates  to  the  convention  of  the  conference  union. 

Article  IV. — Officers. 

1.  The  officers  shall  be  a  president,  a  vice-president,  a 
recording  secretary,  a  corresponding  secretary,  a  treasurer,  a 
Junior  superintendent,  and  an  Intermediate  superintendent, 
and  such  other  department  superintendents  as  may  be  deemed 
necessary.  These  shall  be  elected  at  the  regular  convention 
of  the  union. 

2.  The  conference  executive  committee  shall  consist  of  all 
the  regularly  elected  officers  and  such  others  as  may  be 
elected.  The  coramiltee  should  co-operate  with  the  confer- 
ence board  of  control. 


YOUNG   people's    WORK  105 

Article  V. — Duties. 

1.  The  duties  of  the  president,  vice-president,  and  treas- 
urer shall  be  such  as  usually  devolve  upon  such  officers. 

2.  The  duties  of  the  recoi'ding  secretary  shall  be  to  keep  a 
record  of  all  transactions  of  the  union  and  of  the  executive 
committee. 

3.  The  duties  of  the  corresponding  secretary  shall  be  to 
keep  a  list  of  the  societies  in  the  conference,  with  the  name 
of  the  president  and  corresponding  secretary  of  each,  and 
a  list  of  the  officers  of  the  conference  union  ;  to  furnish  the 
same  to  the  general  secretary  of  the  department  of  Young 
People's  work,  and  to  conduct  all  correspondence. 

4.  The  Junior  and  Intermediate  superintendents  shall 
have  charge  of  the  Junior  and  Intermediate  work  in  the 
conference. 

5.  The  executive  committee  shall  look  after  the  interests 
of  the  Young  People's  societies  in  the  conference,  provide 
for  meeting  necessary  expenses,  for  the  collection  of  annual 
<lues,  arrange  for  the  annual  meetings,  and  perform  such 
other  duties  as  may  be  required  by  the  department  of  Young 
People's  work. 

Article  VI. — Conventions. 
The   conventions   of   this   conference   union   shall    be    held 
annually  at  such  time  and  place  as  may  be  determined   l)y 
the  union  or  by  its  executive  committee. 

Article  VII. — Finances. 

The  funds  for  the  regidar  work  of  this  union  may  be 
raised  by  annual  dues  levied  upon  each  Young  People's, 
Intermediate,  and  Junior  society  in  the  conference,  the 
amount  to  be  determined  by  the  union.  Each  society  shall 
also  make  a  contribution  by  dues  or  otherwise  to  the  benev- 
olence budget. 

The  missionary  fuuds  raised  by  the  Junior  Christian  En- 
deavor societies  for  missionary  purposes  other  than  confer- 
ence missionary  objects  shall  be  sent  to  the  conference 
Christian  Endeavor  union  treasurer  to  be  forwarded  to  the 
treasurer  of  the  Women's  Missionary  Association,  at  Dayton, 
Ohio. 

Article   VIII. — By-Laws. 
The   conference    union    may    enact    such    l)y-laws    as    con- 
ference conditions   and   needs   may   require.      It   is  expected 


lot)  DISCIPLINE 

that  no  by-laws   inconsistent  with   the  general  good  of   the 
Young  People's  work  in  the  Church  will  be  enacted. 

Model    Ck)NSTiTUTioN    for    a    Young    People's    Society 
OF  Christian  Endeavor. 
Article  I. — Name. 
This  society  shall  be  called  the  Young  People's  Society  of 

Christian  Endeavor  of* United  Brethren  Church 

oft . 

Article  II. — Object. 
It  shall  be  the  object  of  this  society  to  promote  an  ear- 
nest Christian  life  among  its  members,  to  increase  their 
mutual  acquaintance,  to  make  them  more  useful  in  the  serv- 
ice of  God,  to  promote  loyalty  to  the  Church  of  the  United 
Brethren  in  Christ,  to  study  its  life  and  interests,  and  to 
seek  in  every  proper  way  to  assist  in  the  growth  of  both 
the  local  church  and  the  denomination  at  large,  as  our  par- 
ticular part  of  God's  Zion. 

Article  III. — Membership. 

1.  The  members  shall  consist  of  three  classes,  active, 
associate,  and  honorary. 

2.  Active  Members. — The  active  members  of  this  society 
shall  consist  of  the  pastor  and  all  Christian  young  people 
who  sincerely  desire  to  accomplish  the  object  above  specified. 
Voting  powers  shall  be  vested  only  in  the  active  members. 

3.  Associate  Members. — All  young  persons  of  worthy 
character  who  have  not  as  yet  publicly  professed  their  faith 
in  Christ,  may  become  associate  members  of  this  society. 
They  shall  have  the  special  prayers  and  sympathy  of  the 
active  members.  It  is  expected  that  all  associate  members 
will  regularly  attend  the  prayer  meetings  and  that  they 
will  in  time  become  active  members. 

4.  Honorary  or  Affiliated  Members. — Persons  who  for 
any  reason  cannot  assume  the  duties  of  active  membership, 
but  who  are  interested  in  the  society,  and  desire  to  promote 
its  welfare,  may  become  honorary  members.  Honorary  mem- 
bers are  expected  to  support  the  society  financially  and 
otherwise. 

5.  These  different  persons  shall  become  members  upon 
election  by  the  society. 


Insert  name  of  church,     tinscrt  name  of  place. 


YOUNG   people's    WORK  107 

Article  IV. — Officers  and  Committees. 

1.  The  officers  of  this  society  shall  be  a  president,  a 
vice-president,  a  recording  secretary,  a  corresponding  secre- 
tary, and  a  treasurer,  all  of  whom  shall  be  chosen  from  the 
active  members  of  the  society.  The  president  should  be  a 
member  of  the  United  Brethren  Church, 

2.  Executive  Committee. — This  committee  shall  consist 
of  the  pastor  of  the  church,  the  officers  of  the  society,  the 
chairmen  of  the  various  committees,  and  the  Junior  and 
Intermediate  superintendents.  All  matters  requiring  debate 
may  be  brought  first  before  this  committee. 

3.  Other  Committees. — There  shall  be  appointed  from  the 
active  membership  such  committees  as  shall  be  necessary  to 
carry  on  the  work  of  the  society,  these  committees  to  be 
selected  from  the  list  suggested  in  the  by-laws. 

Article  V. — Duties  of  Officers. 

1.  President. — The  president  of  the  society  shall  perform 
the  duties  usually  pertaining  to  that  office.  He  shall  have 
general  oversight  of  the  interests  of  the  society,  and  it  shall 
be  his  care  to  see  that  the  different  committees  perform 
the  duties  devolving  upon  them.  He  shall  make  a  report  of 
the  work  of  the  society  at  each  session  of  the  quarterly  con- 
ference or  official  board. 

2.  Vice-President. — The  vice-president  shall  assist  the 
president  in  promoting  the  interest  of  the  society  and  shall 
perform  the  duties  of  the  president  in  his  absence. 

3.  Recording  Secretary. — The  recording  secretary  shall 
keep  a  record  of  the  members,  and  correct  it  from  time  to 
time,  as  may  be  necessary ;  shall  obtain  the  signature  of 
each  newly-elected  member  to  the  pledge  ;  shall  correspond 
with  absent  members,  and  inform  them  of  their  standing  in 
the  society  ;  shall  keep  correct  minutes  of  all  business  meet- 
ings of  the  society ;  and  shall  notify  all  persons  elected  to 
office  or  to  committees,  in  writing,  if  necessary. 

4.  Corresponding  Secretary. — The  corresponding  secre- 
tary shall  keep  the  local  society  in  communication  with  the 
general  secretary  of  the  department  of  Young  People's 
work,  and  with  other  local  societies;  and  shall  present  to 
his  own  society  such  matters  of  interest  as  may  come  from 
the  department  of  Young  People's  work,  or  from  the  confer- 
ence union,  or  from  other  Christian  sources.  He  shall  also 
report  to  the  general  secretary  of  Young  People's  work  the 
number  of  persons  who  have  adopted  the  Christian  steward- 


108  DISCIPLINE 

ship  plan,  the  comrades  of  the  quiet  hour,  the  life  work 
recruits,  and  the  number  enrolled  in  mission  study  classes. 
This  office  shall  be  permanent,  and  the  name  shall  be  for- 
warded to  the  corresponding  secretary  of  the  conference 
union  and  then  to  the  general  secretary  of  the  department  of 
Young  People's  work,  at  Dayton,  Ohio. 

Article  VI. — The  Prayer  Meeting. 

1.  All  the  active  members  shall  be  present  at  every 
meeting,  unless  detained  by  some  absolute  necessity,  and  each 
active  member  shall  take  some  part,  however  slight,  in  every 
meeting.  To  the  above  all  the  active  members  shall  pledge 
themselves,  understanding  by  "absolute  necessity"  some  rea- 
son for  absence  which  can  conscientiously  be  given  to  their 
Master,  Jesus  Christ, 

2.  Once  each  month  a  consecration,  or  covenant,  meeting 
shall  be  held,  at  which  each  active  member  shall  renew  his 
vows  of  consecration. 

3.  At  each  consecration  meeting  the  roll  shall  be  called, 
or  some  other  effective  method  of  making  the  record  may 
be  employed,  and  the  responses  of  tlie  active  members  who 
are  present  shall  be  considered  a  renewed  expression  of  al- 
legiance to  Christ.  It  is  expected  that  if  any  one  is  obliged 
to  be  absent  from  this  meeting  he  will  send  a  message,  or 
at  least  a  verse  of  scripture,  to  be  read  in  response  to  his 
name  at  the  roll-call. 

4.  If  any  active  member  of  the  society  is  absent  from 
this  monthly  meeting  and  fails  to  send  a  message,  the  look- 
out committee  is  expected  to  take  the  name  of  such  a  one, 
and  in  a  kind  and  brotherly  spirit  ascertain  the  reason  for 
the  absence.  If  an  active  member  of  the  society  is  absent 
and  unexcused  from  three  consecutive  monthly  meetings, 
his  name  may  be  stricken  from  the  list  of  members,  on  the 
approval  of  the  executive  committee. 

f).  The  lookout  committee  sliall  present  to  all  candidates 
for  membership  the  following,  or  some  other  form  of  the 
Christian   Endeavor  pledge,   to  be  signed. 

Trusting  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  for  strength.  I  promise 
him  that  I  will  strive  to  do  whatever  he  would  have  me  do. 
I  will  make  it  the  rule  of  my  life  to  pray  and  read  the 
Bible,  to  support  the  work  and  worship  of  my  church,  and 
to  take  my  part  in  the  meetings  and  other  activities  of  this 
society.     The.se  things   I   will  do  unless  hindered   by   cousci- 


YOUNG  people's  wokk  109 

entious  reasons ;    and  in   them   all   I   will  seek   the   Savior's 
guidance. 

(Signed) 

Article    VII. — Business   Meetings   and   Elections. 

1.  Business  meetings  may  be  held  monthly  on  an  even- 
ing designated  by  the  society,  or  at  any  other  time  ui)on 
call  of  the  president. 

2.  An  election  of  officers  and  committees  shall  be  held 
annually  (or  semi-annually,  as  may  be  thought  best).  Names 
may  be  proposed  by  a  nominating  committee  appointed  l)y 
the  president. 

Article  VIII. — Relation  to  the  Church. 

1.  This  society  shall  at  no  time  adopt  any  rule  or  prac- 
tice contrary  to  the  Discipline  and  usages  of  the  United 
Brethren  Church. 

2.  This  society  shall  be  auxiliary  to  the Con- 
ference Christian  Endeavor  Union  of  the  United  Brethren 
in  Christ. 

Article  TX. — Finances. 

1.  This  society  shall  ]iay  annually  to  the  conference 
union  treasury,  as  dues,  such  sum  as  may  be  determined  by 
the  conference  union.  It  shall  also  collect  from  each 
.lunior  and  Intermediate  society  annual  dues.  The  annual 
(lues  should  be  forv^-arded  by  the  treasurer,  on  order,  to  the 
treasurer  of  the  conference  union.  The  amounts  are  due 
tlie  first  of  January  each  year,  and  should  be  paid  during 
that  month. 

2.  This  society  shall  help  in  raising  the  benevolence 
budget  of  the  local  church  and  sliall  co-operate  with  any 
financial  enterprise  of  the  conference  union. 

3.  This  socit'ty  should  take  a  free-will  offering  for  the 
department  of  Young  Peoide's  work  on  Young  People's  an- 
niversary  day. 

A  rticle  A' . — A  m en <lin en  ts. 
This   constitution    may   be  amended   at   any    I'egular   meel- 
ing  by  a  two-thirds  vote  of  the  members  present,  one  week's 
nolice    having   been    given;     provided    that    Article    II.    and 
Article  IX.  shall  not  l)e  changed. 


110  discipline 

By-Laws. 

Article  I. — Meetings. 

1.  Regular  Meetings. — This  society  shall  hold  a  meeting 

on evening  of  each   week.     The regular 

meeting  of  each  month  shall  be  a  testimony  or  consecration 

meeting.     The  regular  business  meeting  shall  be  on  the 

of  each  month. 

2.  Meetings  for  Study. — Meetings  for  the  study  of  Chris- 
tian Endeavor,  personal  evangelism,  missions.  Christian 
stewardship,  and  Christian  citizenship  may  be  held  as  de- 
termined by  the  society. 

3.  Literary  Meetings. — Literary  meetings  for  the  render- 
ing of  literary  programs  may  be  heM  at  such  time  as  the 
society  may  determine,  provided  that  nothing  shall  be  given 
inconsistent  with  our  position  as  a  Christian  society. 

Article  II. — Methods   of  Raising   Money. 
Funds  for  the  society  may  be  raised  by  regular  dues,  pay- 
able   at    the    regular    monthly    business    meeting    or    at    the 
consecration  meeting,  or  the  society  may  adopt  other  syste- 
matic plans  for  the  finances. 

Article   III. — Suggested,   Committees   and   Their  Duties. 

1.  Executive  Committee. — See  Constitution,  Article  IV,, 
Section  2. 

2.  Lookout  Committee. — It  shall  be  the  duty  of  this  com- 
mittee to  bring  new  members  into  the  society,  to  introduce 
them  to  the  work  and  to  the  other  members,  and  to  look 
after  and  reclaim  any  that  seem  indifferent  to  their  duties. 
This  committee  shall  also,  after  consideration,  propose  names 
for  membership,  at  least  one  week  before  their  election. 

3.  Devotional  Committee. — This  committee  shall  have  in 
charge  the  meetings,  and  shall  see  that  a  topic  is  assigned 
and  a  leader  appointed  for  every  devotional  meeting.  It 
shall  also  assist  the  leader  in  increasing  the  interest  in  the 
devotional  meetings.  A  member  of  this  committee  may  be 
superintendent  of  the  quiet  hour. 

4.  Social  Committee. — It  shall  be  the  duty  of  this  com- 
mittee to  promote  the  social  interests  of  the  society  by  wel- 
coming strangers  to  the  meetings,  and  by  providing  for  the 
mutual  acquaintance  of  the  members  by  occasional  sociables, 
for  which  any  appropriate  entertainment  of  which  the 
church  approves  may  be  provided. 


YOUNG    PEOPLE'S    WORK  111 

5.  Church  aud  Suuday-School  Committee. — It  shall  be 
the  duty  of  this  committee  to  visit  the  young  people  of  the 
community  and  strangers,  invite  them  to  the  Sunday  school 
and  church  services,  and  see  that  they  are  properly  received 
at  these  meetings.  The  committee  shall  also  co-operate  with 
the  pastor  of  the  church  and  the  superintendent  of  the  Sun- 
day school  in  any  way  which  they  may  suggest  for  the  bene- 
fit of  the  church  and  Sunday  school. 

6.  Missionary  Committee. — It  shall  be  the  duty  of  this 
committee  to  awaken  an  intelligent  missionary  enthusiasm 
among  the  members  of  the  society.  This  interest  is  to  be 
aroused  by  holding  missionary  meetings,  promoting  mission 
study  classes,  and  by  using  missionary  funds  as  directed 
by  the  society. 

7.  Music  Committee. — It  shall  be  the  duty  of  this  com- 
mittee to  provide  for  the  singing  at  the  Young  People's 
meeting,  also  to  turn  the  musical  ability  of  the  society  into 
account,  when  necessary,  at  public  religious  meetings. 

8.  The  Relief  Committee. — It  shall  be  the  duty  of  this 
committee  to  do  what  it  can  to  cheer  and  aid,  if  possible 
and  necessary  by  material  comforts,  the  sick  and  destitute 
among  the  young  people  of  the  church  and   Sunday  school. 

9.  The  Efficiency  Committee. — The  efficiency  committee 
shall  endeavor  to  have  the  society  adopt  some  efficiency 
standard  and  shall  have  charge  of  the  literary  work  of  the 
society.  It  shall  also  do  what  it  can  to  circulate  the 
Watchword,  Religious  Telescope,  and  all  other  periodicals 
of  the  Church,  among  the  families  of  the  congregation,  as 
the  pastor  of  the  church  may  direct.  It  should  distribute 
tracts  and  introduce  good  reading  matter  wherever  prac- 
ticable. A  member  of  this  committee  may  be  the  Watchword 
agent. 

10.  Christian  Stewardship  Committee. — It  shall  be  the 
duty  of  this  committee  to  practice  and  teach  by  every  pos- 
sible means  the  duty  of  systematic,  proportionate  giving  to 
the  cause  of  Christ  of  at  least  one-tenth  of  the  income  of 
the  members  of  the  society,  and  to  secure  and  preserve  a 
roll  of  the  members  who  practice  such  giving,  or  will  promise 
to  do  so,  and  through  the  corresponding  secretary  of  the 
society  forward  a  list  of  such  names  to  the  general  secretary 
of  the  department  of  Young  People's  work  or  to  the  secre- 
tary of  the  Board  of  Administration. 

11.  College  Committee. — It  shall  be  the  duty  of  this 
committee  to  keep  the  society  in  touch  with  the  college  with 


112  DIS(^irLINE 

which  the  conference  co-operates,  to  awaken  a  desire  in 
the  young  people  for  college  training,  and  communicate  the 
names  of  the  persons  who  may  desire  to  attend  the  college 
to  the  president  of  the  college,  and  to  promote  the  interest 
of  the  college  in  any  reasonable  way  in  which  the  college 
authorities  may  suggest.  A  member  of  this  committee  may 
be  superintendent  of  life  work  recruits. 

Article  IV. — Elections. 
The  election  of  officers  shall  be  held  at  the  regular  busi- 
ness  meeting   in .     A   nominating   committee    may 

be  appointed  by  the  president. 

Article  V. — Quorum. 
members    shall    constitute    a    quorum    for    the 


transaction  of  business. 

Article  VI. — Amendments. 
These  by-laws  may  be  amended  by  a  two-thirds  vote  of  the 
members  present. 


Section  V. 

MODEL    CONSTITUTION    FOR    A    JUNIOR    OR    AN    INTERMEDIATE 
CHRISTIAN    ENDEAVOR    SOCIETY. 

Article  I. — ISIame. 
This  organization  shall  be  known  as  the  Junior  [or  Inter- 
mediate]   Christian    Endeavor    Society   of* United 

Brethren  Church  off . 

Article  II. — Object. 
The  object  of  this  society  shall  be  to  promote  in  its  mem- 
bers a  pure  and  worthy  character,  to  aid  in  the  study  of  the 
Bible,    and    to   cultivate    the    principles    of   loyal    service    to 
Christ. 

1.  The  members  sluiU  be  boys  and  girls  **who  shall  have 
been  approved  by  the  superintendent,  and  elected  by  a  ma- 
jority of  the  members  present  at  any  regular  meeting. 

♦Insort    name   of   clnirch.      tlnsert   name   of  place. 

**P>oys  and  girls  usually  are  ('alU'd  Juniors  between  the  ages 
of  six  and  tw<'lve  ov  thirteen,  and  Intenuedinles  between  Ibii- 
teeu  and  sixteen. 


YOUNG   people's    WORK  113 

2.  All  those  who  become  members  shall  pledge  themselves 
to  attend  regularly  the  meetings  of  the  society  and  to  observe 
good  order  in  them. 

Article  IV. — Junior  or  Intermediate  (Society  Pledge. 
Trusting  in  Jesus  C'lirist  to  help  me,  I  promise  that  I  will 
strive  to  do  whatever  he  would  like  to  have  me  do ;  that  I 
will  pray  and  read  the  Bible,  and  keep  the  Sabbath  day  holy  ; 
and  that  just  so  far  as  I  know  how  I  will  try  to  lead  a  good 
life ;  that  I  will  be  present  at  every  meeting  when  not  hin- 
dered by  sickness  or  some  other  just  cause ;  and  that  I  will 
take  some  part  in  the  meetings,  especially  the  monthly  recog- 
nition meetings. 

parent's  answer. 
I  have  carefully  read  the  accompanying  pledge  and  cheer- 
fully give  my  consent  for to  sign   it,   and  will  do 

what  I  can  to  help to  faithfully  keep  it. 

Parent's  name 

Address 

Article  V. — Ofjficers. 

1.  The  officers  of  this  society  shall  be  superintendent  and 
such  assistant  superintendents  as  may  be  needed,  a  president, 
vice-president,  secretary,  and  treasurer, 

2.  The  superintendents  may  be  appointed  by  the  pastor, 
or  elected  by  the  Young  People's  society  of  the  church,  with 
the  approval  of  the  pastor  and  official  board. 

A7'ticle  VI. — Duties  of  Officers. 

1.  The  superintendent  shall  have  general  cliarge  of  the 
society  and  its  work,  A  report  is  to  be  made  to  each  quar- 
terly conference. 

2.  The  assistant  superintendents  shall  aid  the  super- 
intendent in  promoting  the  work  of  the  society.  The  first 
assistant  may  care  for  all  the  funds  received  from  the 
treasurer. 

3.  The  president  shall  preside  at  all  business  meetings, 
under  the  advice  of  the  superintendent. 

4.  The  vice-president  shall  conduct  business  meetings  in 
the  absence  of  the  president. 

5.  The  secretary  shall  keep  a  record  of  the  names  and  at- 
tendance of  members,  and  all  of  the  proceedings  of  all 
business  meetings. 

0.  The  treasurer  shall  take  the.  collections,  enter  the 
amount  in  a  book  provided  for  that  purpose,  and  turn  over 


114  DISCIPLINE 

the  money  to  the  assistant  superintendent  for  safe  keeping. 
A  record  shall  also  be  kept  of  all  expenditures  as  directed 
by  the  superintendent  and  society. 

Article  VII. — Committees. 
There    may    be    such    committees    as    the    superintendent 
deems  necessary.     The  members  of  the  committees  may  be 
nominated  by  the  superintendent  and  elected  by  the  society. 

1.  Lookout,  or  Membership  Committee. — This  committee 
shall  secure  the  names  of  those  who  should  join  the  society 
and  seek  to  induce  them  to  become  members.  It  shall  also 
aid  in  keeping  the  members  faithful  in  attendance  and  taking 
part. 

2.  Prayer  Meeting,  or  Devotional. — This  committee  shall 
help  the  superintendent  to  arrange  programs,  provide  music, 
distribute  Bibles,  singing  books,  tracts,  etc.,  and  aid  in 
every  way  which  the  superintendents  may  direct  to  promote 
the  interests  of  the  meetings. 

3.  Social. — This  committee  shall  welcome  the  members  to 
the  meetings  and  help  the  superintendent  in  holding  socials. 

4.  Temperance. — To  canvass  for  signatures  to  the  tem- 
perance pledge  under  the  direction  of  the  superintendents, 
and  to  help  in  any  other  way  to  promote  temperance  work 
among  l)oys  and  girls. 

Temperance  Pledge. — I  hereby  promise,  God  helping  me, 
to  abstain  from  the  use  of  tobacco  in  every  form,  from  the 
use  of  wine,  beer,  and  other  intoxicating  drinks,  and  from 
the  use  of  profane  and  unclean  language. 

5.  Executive  Committee. — Tlie  pastor,  superintendents, 
and  the  officers  shall  com-pose  the  executive  committee,  which 
shall  have  full  control  of  the  affairs  of  the  society. 

Article  VIII. — Meetings. 

1.  A  devotional  meeting  shall  be  held  every  week,  the 
exercises  of  which  shall  consist  of  prayers,  scripture  reading 
and  study,  singing,  and  testimony. 

2.  Once  a  month  the  meeting  shall  be  known  as  the 
recognition  meeting.  At  some  time  during  the  exercises  the 
pledge  shall  be  recited  in  concert,  and  the  roll  called.  The 
responses  shall  be  considered  a  renewal  of  the  pledge  of  the 
society. 

3.  Monthly  missionary  meetings  shall  be  held  at  which 
time  missionary  offei'ings  may  be  taken. 


YOUJVG   people's    WORK  115 

4.  All  meetings  shall  be  in  charge  of  the  superintendent, 
employing  the  members  as  leaders  in  the  best  manner  to 
train  them. 

5.  The  pastor  or  superintendent  shall  use  a  part  of  the 
hour  of  the  weekly  meeting,  when  deemed  best,  for  special 
instruction  in  Bible  truth,  missions,  church  life  and  steward- 
ship, or  for  other  profitable  exercises. 

Article  IX. — Relationship. 

This  society  shall  be  considered  a  department  of  the 
church  with  which  it  is  connected.  It  shall  also  sustain  a 
close  and  intimate  relation  to  the  Young  People's  society 
of  the  church,  with  which  the  members  of  the  Junior  or 
Intermediate  society  are  expected  to  connect  themselves 
when  they  have  reached  the  proper  age. 

Th  Junior  Christian  Endeavor  society  in  its  missionary 
activities  is  asked  to  co-operate  with  the  Women's  Mission- 
ary Association,  which  in  turn,  may  assist  the  Junior  super- 
intendent in  cultivating  a  missionary  interest  among  the 
Juniors  by  suggesting  missionary  literature  and  information. 

Article  X. — By-Laics. 

1.  The  regular  meetings  of  this  society  shall  be  held 

.     The  last  meeting  of  each  month  shall  be  a  recogni- 
tion meeting.     The  business  meeting  shall  be . 

2.  The  superintendent,  in  consultation  with  the  pastor, 
shall  at  each  election  propose  names  of  available  members 
for  the  several  offices,  who  shall  be  elected  by  a  majority  of 
the  members  present.  The  officers  shall  be  elected  and  the 
committees  appointed  for  a   term  of  six  months,   and   shall 

enter  upon  their  duties  the day  of and   the 

day  of of  each  year. 

3.  The  funds  for  the  expenses  of  the  society  and  other 
purposes  may  be  raised  by  regular  dues  or  by  offerings  taken 
at  the  monthly  recognition  meetings,  or  at  other  meetings  as 
the  superintendent  may  arrange. 

4.  Special  meetings  of  the  society  may  be  called  at  any 
time  by  the  pastor  or  superintendent. 

5.  The  committees  should  hold  a  meeting  with  the  super- 
intendent once  a  month  for  consultation  about  their  work. 

0.  This  constitution  and  these  by-laws  may  be  amended 
at  any  regular  meeting  upon  the  recommendation  of  the  ex- 
ecutive committee. 


rn AFTER  XVI T. 
The  Home  Missionary  Society, 
constitution. 
Article  I. — Object. 
This  society  shall  be  called  the  Home  Missionary  Society 
of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ  (the  legal  successor  of  the 
Home,    Frontier,    and    Foreign    Missionary    Society    of    the 
United  Brethren  in  Christ  in  its  home  work),  and  is  organ- 
ized for  the  purpose  of  extending  and  establishing  the  work 
of  the  Church  in  the  home  field. 

Article  II. — Menibersliip. 
The  board  of  control  shall  consist  of  nine  persons  elected 
by  the  General  Conference  and  three  members  to  be  chosen 
by  the  Women's  Missionary  Association,  provided  these 
three  shall  be  elected  as  members  of  this  board  by  ballot 
of  the  General  Conference.  The  general  secretary  of  the 
society  shall  be  the  executive  officer  of  the  board.  A  majority 
of  the  members  present  at  any  regular  or  called  meeting 
shall  constitute  a  quorum. 

Article  III. — Organization. 
Immediately  upon  adjournment  of  the  General  Conference, 
a  meeting  of  the  board  shall  be  called  by  the  secretary,  and 
an  organization  effected  for  the  quadrenuium  by  electing  a 
president,  vice-president,  and  an  executive  committee.  Six 
members  shall  be  chosen  for  the  executive  committee,  four 
by  the  directors  of  the  Home  Missionary  Society  and  two 
by  the  trustees  of  the  Women's  Missionary  Association. 
The  general  secretary  of  the  society  shall  be  a  member  e.r 
officio. 

Article  IV. — Duties  of  Officers. 
1.     President. — The  president  shall  preside  at  all  meetings 
of  the  board,  and  shall  have  power,  in  conjunction  with  the 
secretary,   to  call   special   meetings.     In  the  absence  of  the 
president,  the  vice-president  shall  take  his  place. 

116 


THE    HOME    MISSIONAKY    SOCIETY  117 

2,  Secretary. — The  general  secretary  shall  keep  correct 
minutes  of  all  the  proceedings  of  the  society,  conduct  its 
correspondence,  and  keep  a  record  of  all  bequests,  legacies, 
notes,  and  other  valuable  papers  coming  into  his  possession. 
He  shall  also  make  out  and  publish  an  annual  report  of  the 
work  of  the  society ;  also,  a  quadrennial  report  for  the  Gen- 
eral Conference.  It  shall  be  his  further  duty,  when  prac- 
ticable, to  visit  the  fields  where  the  board  is  giving  aid,  with 
the  view  of  acquainting  himself  and  the  board  with  the 
condition  and  needs  of  the  work.  He  shall  give  himself  to 
the  raising  of  funds  by  visiting  churches,  and  personally 
representing  the  interests  of  the  society.  He  shall  have  the 
privilege  of  one  page  in  the  Religious  Telescope,  subject  to 
the  general  approval  of  the  editor.  His  salary  shall  be  fixed 
by  the  General  Conference. 

3.  Treasurer. — The  general  Church  treasurer  shall  hold 
the  funds  of  the  society,  subject  to  the  order  of  the  board. 
The  General  Conference  shall  fix  his  salary.  The  propor- 
tion of  his  salary  to  be  paid  by  this  society  shall  be  paid  by 
the  executive  committee  in  conjunction  with  the  other  boards 
having  the  services  of  said  general  treasurer. 

Article  V. — Duties  of  the  Board  of  Control. 
This  board  shall  hold  annual  meetings,  appoint  an  execu- 
tive committee,  make  by-laws  for  the  better  regulation  of  its 
work,  appropriate  funds  for  current  expenses,  employ  mis- 
sionaries, open  new  missions  in  conjunction  with  the  bishop 
of  the  district,  appoint  superintendents  for  mission  districts, 
authorize  or  discontinue  appropriations,  fill  vacancies  in  its 
own  body  and  in  connection  with  one  or  more  of  the  bishops, 
ordain  missionaries  in  its  employ  to  the  office  of  elder,  pro- 
vided such  missionaries  have  taken  the  course  of  study  re- 
quired by  Discipline,  or  its  equivalent.  It  shall  also  have 
power  in  conjunction  w'ith  the  bishop  of  the  district,  to 
nominate  persons  for  conference  superintendents  in  con- 
ferences where  said  superintendents  are  supported  in  p:n-t 
by  the  board. 

Article  VI. — Branch  Societies. 
Each  annual  conference  shall  organize  a  branch  society, 
auxiliary  to  the  Home  Missionary  Society,  consisting  of 
three  members,  naming  one  as  its  secretary,  who  shall  assist 
the  general  secretary  in  developing  interest  in  home  mis- 
sions and  securing  gifts  for  the  society.     It  shall  also  be  the 


118  DISCIPLINE 

duty  of  the  branches  to  hold  home  mission  rallies  in  their 
respective  conferences,  co-operating  with  the  general  society 
in  organizing  home  mission  study  classes  and  the  general 
spread  of  home  mission  information. 

Article   VII. — Funds. 

1.  The  income  of  the  society  from  permanent  funds  se- 
cured shall  be  used  by  the  board  for  its  current  expenses, 
unless  the  donors  direct  otherwise. 

The  annual  apportionment  and  division  of  funds  shall  be 
by  the  Board  of  Administration  as  outlined  in  the  plan  for 
said  board  in  Chapter  XIV. 

2.  Each  of  our  Sunday  schools  in  its  auxiliary  relation- 
ship to  the  Home  Missionary  Society  is  expected  to  observe 
the  monthly  missionary  day.  Exercises  should  be  rendered 
and  an  offering  taken  for  the  benevolence  budget.  In  places 
where  a  monthly  missionary  day  seems  impracticable  each 
school  will  be  required  to  observe  a  missionary  day  once 
a  quarter.  The  first  and  third  quarters  shall  be  devoted  to 
the  study  of  foreign  missions,  the  second  and  fourth  quar- 
ters shall  be  detoted  to  the  study  of  home  missions,  the 
offerings  during  these  quarters  to  go  to  the  benevolence 
budget. 

3.  The  month  of  November  shall  be  observed  by  all  our 
congregations  as  a  time  of  prayer  and  thanksgiving  for 
missions,  and  pastors  shall  preach  on  the  subject  and  turn 
the  attention  of  the  people  toward  the  extension  of  the 
Master's  kingdom  in  the  home  field. 

4.  Special  efforts  shall  be  made  by  the  general  secretary, 
pastors,  and  conference  superintendents  to  secure  wills,  be- 
quests, and  deeded  properties  for  the  purpose  of  building  up 
a  permanent  fund,  the  interest  only  to  be  used  for  home 
missions. 

Article  VIII. — Local  Organization. 
A  missionary  committee  may  be  organized  in  any  local 
church  to  interest  and  enlist  the  entire  membership  of  the 
local  church  in  the  work  of  both  home  and  foreign  missions, 
and  devise  such  methods  and  measures  as  shall  develop  the 
church  into  a  strong  missionary  agency. 

Article  IX. — Mission  Districts. 
1.     A   mission    district   may    be   organized   by   the   Home 
Missionary  Society  outside  of  the  bounds  of  a  mission  con- 


THE    HOME    MISSIONARY    SOCIETY  119 

fcrence  or  annual  conference  and  the  administration  of  such 
districts  shall  be  under  the  control  and  direction  of  the  Home 
Missionary  Society,  in  conjunction  with  the  bishop  of  the 
district. 

2.  Whenever  a  mission  district  has  eight  or  more  pastoral 
charges,  it  may  be  made  a  mission  conference  by  the  con- 
sent of  the  Home  Mission  board,  and,  as  such,  it  will  have 
regular  annual  sessions  of  ministers  and  lay  delegates,  pre- 
sided over  by  the  bishop  of  the  district.  At  these  annual 
meetings,  the  regular  business  of  the  annual  conference  shall 
be  transacted,  except  that  the  conference  superintendent 
shall  be  chosen  as  provided  by  Chapter  XVII.,  Article  V., 
of  the  Discipline.  The  mission  conference  shall  have  repre- 
sentation in  the  General  Conference  on  the  same  basis  as 
annual  conferences. 

3.  Whenever  the  Home  Mission  board,  and  the  mission 
conference  and  the  bishop  shall  concur  in  that  a  mission 
conference  has  reached  the  state  of  development  and  growth 
where  it  will  be  able  to  support  an  efficient  superin tendency 
and  without  aid  from  the  Home  Mission  board,  it  shall  be- 
come an  annual  conference. 

Article  X. — Unoccupied  Tcrritury. 
The   Home   Mission   board   may   operate   in   any   territory 
within  the  bounds  of  an  annual  conference  not  occupied  by 
said  conference,  and  by  consent  of  the  same. 

Article  XI. — MisHionarics. 
Every  missionary  in  the  board's  employ  shall  report  to  the 
general  secretary  monthly  respecting  the  condition  of  his 
charge;  and  no  missionary  shall  be  entitled  to  his  salary  if 
he  neglects  this  requirement,  or  leaves  his  field  without  the 
consent  of  the  board  or  his  conference  superintendent.  A 
similar  monthly  report  is  also  required  of  conference  super- 
intendents employed  by  the  board. 

Article  XI I. — Social  Service. 
The  Home  Missionary  Society  shall  be  authorized  to  create 
a  bureau  of  social  service  and  reform  as  its  funds  will  permit. 

Article  XITI. — TJie  Relation  of  the  MiniMri/  to  Home 

Missiotis. 
1.     Every  pastor  in  charge  of  a  field  of  labor  shall  seek 
to  organize  and  train  the  membership  of  his  charge  to  be- 


120  DISCIPLINE 

come  an  efficient  force  in  the  extension  of  our  missionary 
work  in  the  home  field,  by  the  organization  of  home  mission 
study  classes,  the  introduction  of  mission  training  in  the 
Sunday  school  and  the  promotion  of  the  laymen's  missionary 
movement,  which  is  to  be  both  home  and  foreign  in  its  edu- 
cational and  benevolent  work.  He  shall  strive  earnestly  to 
get  every  member  of  the  Church  to  give  systematically  to 
the  benevolence  budget  and  report  the  offerings  quarterly 
to   the   conference   treasurer. 

2.  The  bishops  of  the  Church  and  the  conference  super- 
intendents shall  promote  home  missions  by  sermons,  and 
addresses,  and  by  careful  inquiry  concerning  the  work  being 
done  on  the  various  charges  for  this  cause ;  and  they  shall 
seek  to  develop  the  missionary  spirit  by  aiding  in  mission- 
ary institutes  and  in  the  widespread  study  of  home  missions. 

3.  The  bishops  shall  visit  new  and  promising  openings, 
especially  in  the  cities  and  large  towns,  and  give  personal 
direction  in  establishing  missions  within  the  bounds  of  their 
districts. 

Article  XIV. — Opening  Missions. 
The  bishop  of  the  district  and  the  general  Home  Mission 
board   shall    be   counselled   in   opening   new   missions    where 
they  are  expecting  help  for  the  support  of  the  pastor. 

Article  XV. — Self -Support. 
When  the  board  makes  appropriations  it  shall  be  with  a 
clear  understanding  that  said  aid  is  to  be  reduced  from  year 
to  year  and  the  point  so  aided  shall  plan  for  self-support 
at  the  earliest  possible  moment.  Deviation  from  this  rule 
shall  be  only  in  case  of  emergency. 

AiHicle  XVI. — Application  for  Appropi'iation. 
In  conferences  expecting  an  appropriation,  the  conference 
home  missions  committee  and  the  conference  church  ex- 
tension board  shall  make  known  to  the  Home  Missionary 
Society  at  least  two  months  before  annual  conference  the 
amount  actually  needed  for  the  coming  year,  and  in  turn  the 
Home  Mission  office  shall  inform  such  conference  authori- 
ties as  to  the  approximate  amount  it  expects  to  appro- 
priate, and  the  conference  shall  furnish  the  Home  Mission 
office  a  schedule  of  the  places,  names,  and  amounts  for  the 
final  action   of  the  Home  Mission   board. 


THE    HOME    MISSION  AUY    SOCIETY  121 

Article  XVII. — Annual-Conference  Treasurer. 
Each  annual  conference  shall  elect  a  treasurer  of  benev- 
olences who  shall  report  in  detail  by  charges  and  remit 
monthly  the  amount  received  for  home  missions  to  the  gen- 
eral Church  treasurer  at  Dayton,  Ohio,  who  shall  make 
record  thereof  and  receipt  for  the  same. 

Ai'ticle  XVIII.— Rural  Life, 
The  Home  Mission  board  is  authorized  to  create  a  depart- 
ment on  present  day  rural  life  problems,  and  the  relation 
of  the  Church  to  their  solution.  This  commission  shall 
seek  to  reach  its  objectives  through  careful  investigation  and 
active  education  and  to  participate  where  possible  with  other 
organizations  engaged  in  similar  work.  It  shall  particu- 
larly assist  our  own  conferences  in  any  rural  life  work 
which  they  may  undertake. 

Article   XIX. 
It  shall   l.e   the   duty   of   the   Home   Mission   secretary   to 
secure    from    the    conference    treasurer    full    reports    of    all 
moneys  paid  by  the  conference  to  pastors  serving  conference 
home   missions. 


CHAPTER  XVI 1 1. 

The  Foreign  Missionary  Society. 

constitution. 

Article  I. — ]Sla)nc. 
This  society   shall   be  called   the   Foreign   Missionary   So- 
ciety of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ   (the  legal  successor 
of  the  Home,   Frontier,  and   Foreign  Missionary   Society  of 
the  United  Brethren  in  Christ  in  its  foreign  work). 

Article  II. — Functions. 

This  society  is  organized  for  the  purpose  of  extending  the 
knowledge  of  the  gospel  of  Christ  throughout  the  earth  by 
the  utilization  of  the  resources  of  the  Church.  Said  society 
shall,  through  its  distributed  activities,  promote  an  interest 
in  foreign  missions  by  approved  methods  in  the  home 
churches,  Sunday  schools,  and  Young  People's  societies.  It 
shall  disseminate  information  touching  mission  fields,  it 
shall  appoint,  commission,  and  send  forth,  missionaries,  and 
conduct  any  and  all  work  that  properly  devolves  upon  such 
a  society.  The  supreme  aim  of  the  missionary  society  shall 
be  to  establish  a  self-supporting  native  church  in  each  field. 

Upon  request  of  a  mission  council  abroad,  the  society  is 
hereby  granted  authority  to  take  such  steps  in  co-operation 
and  federation  of  work  abroad  with  other  missions,  after 
careful  consideration,  as  may  be  necessary  and  desirable  for 
the  highest  development  of  a  victorious  native  Church. 

Article  III. — Mcnihcrship. 
Every   person,    by   virtue   of   becoming   a   member   of   the 
Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in   Christ,  is  a  member  of 
the  Foreign  Missionary  Society. 

Article  IV. — Organization. 
The  organization  of  the  society  shall  consist  of  a  board 
of  directors,  an  executive  committee,  an  annual   conference 
branch  society,  and  a  committee  in  every  local  church. 

122 


THE  FOREIGN  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY  123 

Article  V. — Directors  and  Their  Duties. 

1.  The  board  of  directors  shall  consist  of  the  bishops  of 
the  Church,  the  general  secretary,  six  directors,  who  shall 
be  elected  by  the  General  Conference,  and  three  directors 
who  shall  be  chosen  by  the  trustees  of  the  Women's  Mis- 
sionary Association.  A  majority  of  the  members  present 
at  any  regular  or  called  meeting  shall  constitute  a  quorum. 
The  officers  of  the  society  shall  consist  of  a  president,  to 
be  elected  at  the  first  meeting  of  the  directors  in  each  quad- 
rennium,  a  secretary,  who  shall  be  the  general  secretary 
elected  by  General  Conference,  and  a  treasurer,  who  shall 
be  the  general  Church  treasurer.  The  bishops  of  the  Church 
shall  be  vice-presidents  in  the  order  of  their  seniority  in 
office. 

2.  The  board  of  directors  shall  have  charge  of,  and  give 
directions  to  all  the  work  of  the  society.  The  board  oi 
directors  shall  hold  a  meeting  once  every  year,  and  upon  the 
request  of  the  executive  committee,  the  president  shall  call 
special  sessions  for  the  transaction  of  important  business. 
The  board  shall  make  by-laws  to  regulate  the  business  of 
the  society ;  receive  and  pass  upon  the  reports  of  the  gen- 
eral secretary,  treasurer,  minutes  of  the  executive  committee, 
and  reports  from  the  foreign  fields ;  make  a  careful  study  of 
the  needs  of  the  work  abroad  and  appropriate  the  money 
necessary  to  carry  forward  the  entire  work  of  the  society ; 
employ  secretaries  for  the  cultivation  of  the  home  Church ; 
appoint  foreign  missionaries  and  fill  vacancies  in  its  own 
body ;  in  connection  with  the  bishops  or  any  one  of  them, 
ordain  missionaries  to  the  office  of  elder,  provided  such  mis- 
sionaries have  taken  the  courses  of  study  specified  by  the 
Discipline,  or  their  equivalent ;  determine  the  aims  and 
methods  to  be  pursued  in  enlisting  the  home  Church  in  the 
extension  of  the  gospel ;  elect  four  members  of  the  executive 
committee,  and  have  the  use  of  one  page  in  the  Religious 
Telescope,  which  shall  be  conducted  by  the  general  secretary, 
subject  to  the  approval  of  the  editor. 

Article  VI. — The  Executive  Committee  and  its  Duties. 
Six  members  shall  be  chosen  for  the  executive  committee, 
four  by  the  directors  of  the  Foreign  Missionary  Society,  and 
two  by  the  trustees  of  the  Women's  Missionary  Association. 
The  general  secretary  of  the  society  shall  be  an  ex  officio 
member  of  the  committee.     The  committee  shall  have  charge 


124  DISCIPLINE 

of  all  the  business  of  the  society  between  the  annual  meet- 
ings. In  the  appointment  of  missionaries,  and  in  making 
appropriations  not  authorized  by  the  board,  the  committee 
shall,  through  correspondence  or  otherwise,  secure  the  ap- 
proval of  a  majority  of  the  members  of  the  board. 

Article  VII. — Branch  Organization. 
Every  annual  conference  shall  organize  a  branch  society, 
auxiliary  to  the  Foreign  Missionary  Society,  consisting  ot 
three  members,  naming  one  as  its  secretary,  who  shall  assist 
the  general  secretary  in  developing  interest  in  foreign  mis- 
sions and  securing  gifts  for  the  society. 

Article  VIII. — Local  Church  Committee. 
A  missionary  committee  shall  be  organized  in  every  local 
church  to  interest  and  enlist  the  entire  membership  of  the 
local  church  in  the  work  of  both  home  and  foreign  missions, 
and  devise  such  methods  and  measures  as  shall  develop  the 
Church  into  a  strong  missionary  agency. 

Article  IX. — Duties  of  the  General  Secretary. 

1.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  general  secretary  to  pro- 
mote the  dissemination  of  missionary  information  through- 
out the  Church  by  tracts,  books,  and  other  publications,  and 
through  conventions,  rallies,  and  institutes  he  shall  endeavor 
to  create  a  missionary  atmosphere.  He  shall  direct  the  organi- 
zation of  mission  study  classes,  introduce  missionary  in- 
struction in  the  Sunday  school,  and  assist  the  Sunday- 
school  superintendent,  the  president  of  the  Young  People's 
society,  and  the  pastor  to  introduce  a  regular  system  of  giv- 
ing to  missions. 

2.  The  general  secretary  shall  diligently  study  the  ad- 
ministrative problem  of  the  work  abroad,  so  as  to  employ 
such  agencies  as  shall  lead  to  the  "development  of  a  strong 
native  church.  He  shall  exercise  diligence  to  discover  and 
encourage  those  whom  the  Holy  Spirit  has  called  to  foreign 
missionary  work,  shall  bring  them  to  the  attention  of  the 
society  and  executive  committee  for  appointment,  and  sliall 
assist  candidates  in  the  preparation  for  their  work  before 
going  to  the  field. 

3.  The  general  secretary  shall  keep  a  correct  record  of 
the  society,  and  conduct  its  correspondence.  He  shall  be 
the  custodian  of  all  its  legal  papers.     He  shall  prepare  an 


THE  FOHEIGN   AIISSIOXARY   SOCIETY  12o 

annual  report  of  the  work  of  the  society  and  a  quadrennial 
report  to  the  General  Conference.  He  shall  call  meetings 
of  the  executive  committee  to  transact  business. 

Article  X. — The  Treasurer  and  His  Duties. 
The  general  Church  treasurer,  elected  by  the  General 
Conference,  shall  hold  all  funds  of  the  society  subject  to  the 
order  of  the  board  or  executive  committee.  His  salary  shall 
be  fixed  by  the  General  Conference  and  the  proportion  of 
same  to  be  paid  by  this  board  shall  be  determined  by  the 
executive  committee,  in  conjunction  with  the  other  boards 
having  his  services ;  he  shall  make  an  annual  report  to  tlio 
1  oard,  and  a  quadrennial  report  to  the  General  Conference. 

Article  XI. — The  Relation  of  the  Ministry   to  Foreign 
Missions. 

1.  Every  pastor  in  charge  of  a  field  of  labor  shall  seek  to 
organize  and  train  the  membership  of  his  charge  to  become 
an  efficient  force  in  the  world-wide  extension  of  the  gospel 
by  the  organization  of  foreign  mission  study  classes,  the  in- 
troduction of  missionary  training  in  the  Sunday  school  and 
men's  Brotherhood.  He  shall  strive  earnestly  to  get  every 
member  of  the  Church  to  give  systematically  to  foreign  mis- 
sions, according  to  the  plan  for  benevolence  offerings  adopted 
for  the  Church. 

2.  The  bishops  of  the  Church  and  the  conference  superin- 
tendents shall  promote  foreign  missions  by  sermons  and 
addresses  and  by  careful  inquiry  concerning  the  work  being 
done  for  this  cause  on  the  various  charges  and  they  shall 
seek  to  develop  the  missionary  spirit  by  aiding  in  missionary 
institutes  and  in  the  wide-spread  study  of  foreign  missions. 

Article  XIT. — Annual  Conference  Treasurer. 
Every  annual  conference  shall  elect  a  treasurer  of  benev- 
olences who  shall  report  monthly  the  amount  received  for 
foreign  missions. to  the  general  Church  treasurer  at  Day- 
ton, Ohio,  who  shall  make  record  thereof  and  receipt  for  the 
same. 

Article  XIII. — ]\Iissions  in  the  Sunday  School. 
Every  Sunday  school,  in  its  auxiliary  relationship  to  the 
Home  Missionary  Society  and  the  Foreign  Mi.ssionary 
Society  of  our  Church,  is  expected  to  observa  a  monthly 
missionary  day,  on  which  a  brief  missionary  exercise  shall 
'^e    rendered    and    a    missionary    offering    taken.      In    places 


126  DISCIPLINE 

v/hcre  a  monthly  missionary  day  seems  impiacl.icable.  every 
school  shall  be  required  to  observe  such  a  missionary  day 
once  a  quarter. 

The  first  and  third  quarters  of  the  calendar  ye.'ir  shall  be 
devoted  to  the  study  of  foreign  missions ;  the  second  and 
f'^nrth  quarters  to  the  study  of  home  mission-^,  the  offerings 
during  these  periods  to  go  to  the  benevolence  budget. 

Article  XIV. — A  Foreign  Mission  Conference. 

A  foreign  mission  conference  is  composed  of  all  foreign 
missionaries  bearing  credentials  from  the  board,  ordained 
native  ministers,  licentiates,  and  one  lay  delegate  from  each 
charge  developing  self-support  according  to  the  system  adopt- 
ed by  the  conference. 

All  foreign  missionaries,  bearing  proper  credentials  from 
the  Mission  board,  ordained  native  ministers,  licentiates,  and 
one  lay  delegate  from  each  charge,  developing  self-support 
according  to  the  system  adopted  by  the  conference,  may  be 
members  of  the  foreign  mission  conference. 

Other  workers  employed  may  become  advisory  members, 
upon  approval  of  the  conference.  A  foreign  mission  con- 
ference shall  be  presided  over  by  a  bishop  or  in  his  absence 
by  the  mission  superintendent.  In  the  absence  of  both  the 
bishop  and  the  mission  superintendent,  the  conference  shall 
elect  its  own  chairman. 

The  presiding  officer  shall  appoint  a  stationing  committee, 
of  which  he  shall  be  chairman,  and  he  shall  likewise  appoint 
all  standing  committees. 

Article  XV. — Superintendcncij. 

1.  The  bishop  elected  by  the  General  Conference  as  a 
general  superintendent  over  our  foreign  mission  conferences 
shall  preside,  when  possible,  at  the  annual  session  of  each 
foreign  mission  conference.  He  shall  give  close  attention  to 
the  large  problems  of  each  field,  and,  by  counselling  with  the 
missionaries  and  native  workers,  seek  to  establish  native 
churches  and  institutions  filled  with  a  passion  for  evangelism, 
strong  in  self-support,  and  able  ultimately  to  extend  and 
direct  their  own  work  without  ai-d  from  other  lands. 

2.  The  bishop  assigned  to  the  foreign  fields  shall  work 
in  co-operation  with  the  Foreign  INIissiouary  Society  and 
with  the  mission  council  on  the  field  and  seek  to  interpret 
the  needs  and  viewpoint  of  each  to  the  other. 


THE  FOREIGN   MISSIONARY   SOCIETY  127 

8.  The  Foreign  Missionary  Society  shall  appoint  a  mis- 
sion superintendent  over  each  mission  conference  for  one 
term,  subject  to  reappointment,  or  his  tenure  of  office  may 
be  terminated  a*any  time  at  the  discretion  of  the  board. 

The  mission  superintendent  of  each  field*  in  co-operation 
with  the  board  and  the  bishop  of  the  district,  shall  arrange 
the  work  and  take  supervision  of  the  conference.  He  shall 
report  quarterly  the  condition  and  needs  of  the  field  to  the 
general  secretary  of  the  mission  board  and  to  the  bishop  of 
the  district. 

4.  The  bishop  of  the  district  and  each  mission  super- 
intendent shall  submit  an  annual  report  to  the  Foreign  Mis- 
sion board. 

Article  XVI. — Reports. 
All  missionaries  employed  by  the  board  shall  be  furnished 
with  credentials  of  their  appointment,  and  be  subject  to 
the  board  in  regard  to  their  term  of  service,  salary,  and 
the  time  and  length  of  furlough.  They  shall  report  quar- 
terly the  condition  and  progress  of  their  work  to  the  mission 
superintendent;  and  they  shall  also  make  an  annual  report 
to  the  general  secretary  of  the  board,  a  copy  of  which  shall 
be  filed  with  the  superintendent. 

Article  XVII. — The  Mission  Council. 

There  shall  be  a  mission  council  in  each  foreign  mission 
conference,  composed  of  all  foreign  missionaries  employed  by 
the  board  in  such  conference.  Said  council  shall  be  the 
cabinet  of  the  mission  superintendent,  provided,  however, 
that  in  matters  of  difference  between  the  superintendent  and 
the  cabinet,  a  two-thirds  vote  of  the  said  mission  council 
shall  determine  the  course  to  be  pursued,  except  in  matters 
of  interpretation  of  the  policy  of  the  board.  Missionaries 
shall  be  eligible  to  voting  privileges  in  the  council  only  after 
one  year's  residence  on  the  mission  field.  The  mission  super- 
intendent shall  be  chairman  of  the  mission  council,  and  also 
treasurer  of  the  mission  funds,  unless  other  provision  is 
made  by  the  board. 

The  mission  council  shall  convene  once  a  year,  and  oftener 
if  practicable,  and  receive  reports  of  missionaries  in  charge 
of  districts,  stations  or  departments  of  work.  It  shall  co- 
operate with  the  mission  superintendent  in  the  general 
supervision  of  the  work,  by  committee  or  otherwise,  espe- 
cially   with   reference    to    the    division    of    the    missionaries' 


1 2S  DTSCIPLINE 

work,    the    budget,    and    the   adniinlstration    of    the    mission 
funds. 

Article  XV III. — Delegates  to  General  Conference. 
The  number  of  delegates  from  foreign  mission  con- 
ferences to  the  General  Conference,  not  in  excess  of  the 
ratio  to  annual  conferences  in  America,  and  the  manner  of 
their  election  shall  be  determined  by  the  Foreign  Mission 
board.  The  board  shall  meet  the  expenses  of  the  delegates 
from  their  respective  fields  to  and  from  their  places  of  resi- 
dence in  the  United  States,  or  if  such  delegates  have  no 
place  of  residence  in  the  United  States  to  and  from  tlie 
ports  of  entry,  and  all  additional  expenses  shall  be  met  l)y 
the  General  Conference  as  iu  the  case  of  other  delegates. 

Article  XIX. — The  Pavers  and  Duties  of  a  Foreign  Mission 
Conference. 
A  foreign  mission  conference  shall  have  power  similar  to 
an  annual  conference,  subjecL  to  regulations  of  tlie  mission 
board.  It  shall  revise,  year  by  year,  the  list  of  itinerants, 
except  those  who  hold  membership  in  American  conferences, 
and  report  the  same  to  the  agent  of  the  publishing  house, 
and  compile  other  statistics  of  its  work,  as  nearly  as  possible 
in  harmony  with  the  Church  in  general,  having  in  mind  the 
requirements  of  general  missionary  reports. 

Article  XX. — Course  of  Ministerial  Study  and  Rules. 
A  mission  conference  employing  other  than  the  English 
<\r  German  languages  shall  have  power  to  make  its  own 
course  of  ministerial  study,  as  nearly  as  practicable  an 
equivalent  of  the  English  course.  General  eflSciency  and 
practical  experience,  as  well  as  moral  fitness,  shall  be  con- 
sidered in  recommending  candidates  for  ordination.  It  may 
enact  necessary  rules  for  its  own  government  iu  harmony 
with  the  Book  of  Discipline,  and  the  regulations  of  the 
mission  board. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

Women's  Missionary  Association. 
Section  I. 

general  constitution. 
Article  I. — yame. 
The  association  shall  be  known  as  the  Women's  ]Mission- 
ary  Association  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  accord- 
ing to  the  articles  of  incorporation  under  the  laws  of  the 
State  of  Ohio.  Its  general  oflices  shall  be  located  in  Dayton, 
Ohio. 

Article  II. — O  hjcrt. 

The  assoc-iation  is  for  the  pui'pose  of  enlisting  and  unit- 
ing the  efforts  of  the  women,  the  young  women,  and  the 
children  of  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  to 
help  send  and  support  missionaries  in  the  home  and  foreign 
fields;  to  assist  in  carrying  forward  the  work  in  said  ^t^ids: 
and  to  secure  by  gift,  bequest,  and  otherwise,  the  funds 
necessary  to  aid  in  such  missionary  operations. 

It  shall  disseminate  literature  and  information  concerning 
the  needs  of  the  mission  fields  where  operating,  and  conduct 
any  and  all  other  work  that  usually  belongs  to  such  an  or- 
ganization. 

It  shall  be  empowered  by  its  articles  of  incorporation  to 
receive  by  gift,  bequest  or  purchase,  real  and  pei'sonal  prop- 
erty, and  hold  the  same  for  the  uses  and  purposes  of  said 
association,  the  same  as  any  other  corporations  of  like  char- 
flcter. 

Article  III. — Rdation  to  the  Church. 
This  association  shall  work  under  the  direction  of  the 
General  Conference  of  said  Church,  to  which  the  general 
secretary  shall  submit  quadrennial  reports.  It  shall  also 
work  in  co-operation  with  the  Home  Missionary  Society 
and  the  Foreign  Missionary  Society  of  the  Church  of  the 
United  Brethren  in  Christ,  upon  whose  boards  and  execu- 
tive committees   it  shall  have  one-third   representation. 

129 


loO  DISOIPLliXE 

.4 rticle  IV. — Mem bcrfihip. 

1.  The  annual  dues  for  membership  in  said  association 
shall  bo  in  accord  wilh  Iho  nicinhcrshii)  duos  of  the  various 
departments. 

2.  TIic  payment  of  $10  at  ono  time,  or  by  installmenls 
witliin  five  years,  shall  constitute  a  life  membership.* 

The  payment  of  $25  at  one  time,  or  by  installments  with- 
in five  years,  shall  constitute  a  life  directorship.* 

The  payment  of  $100  at  one  time,  or  by  installments  witli- 
in  five  years,  shall  constitute  a  life  patronship.* 

3.  Life  patrons  shall  be  full  members  of  the  board  of 
managers.  Life  directors  shall  be  advisory  members  of  the 
same.  Life  patrons  and  life  directors  shall  be  full  mem- 
I'pis.  nnd  life  membersi  shall  be  advisory  members  of  the 
hi-nncli  within  whose  bounds  they  reside.  These  privileges 
are  accorded  only  to  those  who  pay  annual  dues. 

Article   V .— Organisation. 

Tills  organization  shall  consist  of  a  board  of  managers, 
conference  branches,  local  societies,  and  chapters  of  the 
Otterboin  Guild. 

Article  VI.— Board  of  Managers. 
The  board  of  managers  shall  consist  of  the  board  of 
trustees,  the  life  patrons,  the  secretary  of  the  Otterbein 
Guild,  the  secretary  of  literature,  the  secretary  of  thank- 
offering,  and  three  delegates  from  each  branch,  who  shall 
be  elected  at  the  branch  meeting  preceding  the  meeting  of 
the  board  of  managers,  and  the  branch  presidents  if  present. 

Article  VII. — Duties  of  the  Board  of  Managers. 
The  board  of  managers  shall  meet  biennially.  It  shall 
receive  and  pass  upon  the  reports  of  the  general  secretary, 
treasurer,  department  secretaries,  editor  and  publisher  of 
the  Evangel,  branch  organizations,  and  reports  from  the 
mission  fields.  It  shall  elect  by  ballot  the  members  of  the 
board  of  trustees,  the  secretary  of  the  Otterbein  Guild,  the 
secretary  of  literature,  and  the  secretary  of  thank-offer- 
ing. 


*A  rortificato  shall   be   <?ivon   at  the  time  of  payment  in  full, 
but  this  cortificale  shall  not  exempt  from  annual  dues. 


^VOME^''S    MI.SSIOXAKY    SOCIETY  131 

Article  VIII. — Board  of   Trustees. 
The  board  of  trustees  shall  consist  of  nine  members  who 
shall    be   elected    by    ballot   at   the   biennial    meeting   of   tho 
board  of  managers,  six  of  whom  and  no  more  shall  be  resi- 
dents of  Dayton,  Ohio,  or  vicinity. 

Article  IX. — Duties   of   the   Board   of   Trustees. 

The  board  of  trustees  so  elected  shall  assemble  before  the 
close  of  the  biennial  meeting  of  the  board  of  managers  and 
organize  by  the  election  from  its  own  number  of  all  the 
officers  provided  for  in  Article  X. 

It  shall  choose  from  its  number  the  necessary  representa- 
tion upon  the  boards  and  executive  committees  of  the 
Home  and  the  Foreign  Missionary  societies.  It  shall  also 
elect  the  editor  of  the  Evangel,  the  field  secretary  and  the 
third  member  of  the  literature  committee. 

In  the  interim  between  the  meetings  of  the  board  of 
managers  the  board  of  trustees  shall  have  full  power  and 
control  of  the  general  interests  and  administration  of  the 
affairs  of  the  association  including  the  making  of  appropria- 
tions. 

All  legal  papers  of  the  association  shall  be  executed  by 
the  president  and  the  general  secretary  of  the  association, 
provided  that  the  president  lives  in  Dayton  or  vicinity,  other- 
wise by  the  resident  vice-president  and  the  general  sec- 
retary, who  shall  sign  and  seal  all  such  papers,  including 
deeds  of  transfer,  in  the  name  and  on  behalf  of  the  asso- 
ciation. 

The  board  of  trustees  shall  have  the  authority  to  ap- 
point and  empower  one  or  two  persons  to  act  for  the  asso- 
ciation with  power  of  attorney  when  occasion  may  arise  to 
demand  such  action. 

Article  X. — Officers. 
The  officers  of  the  association  shall  be  a  president,  three 
vice-presidents,  a  general  secretary,  a  recoixling  secretary, 
a  treasurer,  and  a  chairman  of  the  resident  trustees,  as 
provided  in  Article  IX.  The  offices  of  general  secretary 
an-d  treasurer  may  be  held  by  one  person. 

Article  XI. — Duties  of  Officers. 
1.     The  president  shall  preside  at  the  biennial  meeting  of 
the   board   of  managers   and   shall   have  general   supervision 
of  the  work  of  the  association. 


132  DISCIPLINE 

2.  The  vice-presidents  shall  co-operate  with  the  presi- 
dent in  carrying  forward  the  work  of  the  association.  They 
shall  preside  in  the  absence  of  the  president  or  upon  request. 

3.  The  general  secretary  shall,  under  the  supervision  of 
the  board  of  trustees,  attend  to  all  the  business  connected 
with  the  association,  secure  gifts  and  bequests,  keep  all 
documents  pertaining  to  the  association  and  attend  to  cor- 
respondence. 

She  shall  submit  an  annual  report  to  the  association 
through  the  Evangel,  an  annual  report  to  the  Home  and  the 
Foreign  Missionary  societies,  a  biennial  report  to  the  board 
of  managers,  and  a  quadrennial  report  to  the  General  Con- 
ference. She  shall  have  the  power  to  call  meetings  of  the 
board  of  trustees. 

4.  The  recording  secretary  shall  keep  the  minutes  of 
the  proceedings  of  the  biennial  meetings  of  the  board  of 
managers,  and  of  all  the  meetings  of  the  board  of  trustees. 
She  shall  submit  an  annual  report  to  the  association  through 
the  Evangel  and  a  biennial  report  to  the  board  of  managers. 

5.  The  treasurer  shall  receive  all  funds  coming  into  the 
Women's  Missionary  Association  and  transmit  quarterly,  on 
order  of  the  trustees,  to  the  general  Church  treasurer,  those 
funds  which  are  to  be  disbursed  for  work  in  the  mission 
fields  on  order  of  the  executive  committees  of  the  Home  and 
the  Foreign  Missionary  societies. 

0.  The  administration  expenses  of  the  association  shall 
be  under  the  control  of  the  board  of  trustees,  said  expenses 
to  be  paid  by  the  treasurer  of  the  Women's  ^Missionary  As- 
sociation on  order  of  the  trustees. 

The  treasurer  shall  submit  quarterly  reports,  also  an 
annual  report  to  the  association  through  the  Evangel,  an 
annual  report  to  the  Home  and  the  Foreign  Missionary 
societies,  and  a  biennial  report  to  the  board  of  managers. 
She  shall  give  bond  and  her  accounts  shall  be  audited  an- 
nually. 

She  shall  receive  all  funds  of  the  Evangel  and  shall  pay 
the  expenses  of  the  same  on  order  of  the  trustees. 

She  shall  receive  all  funds  of  the  literature  department 
and  shall  disburse  the  same  on  order  of  the  general  litera- 
ture committee. 


women's  missionary  society  133 

Article  XII. — Funds. 
All  gifts,  bequests,  and  funds  contributed  to  any  special 
object   of  the   association   shall   be   held   sacred    to   the   uses 
and  purposes  intended  by  the  donor. 

Article  XIII. — Woman  8  Day. 
By  the  action  of  the  General  Conference  and  the  board 
of  managers,  the  last  Sunday  in  October  is  designated  as 
Woman's  Day.  A  public  program  may  be  given  and  an 
offering  taken  which  shall  be  forwarded  to  the  branch  treas- 
urer for  the  Woman's  Day  fund. 

Article  XIV. — Department  of  the  Ottcrhein  Guild. 

1.  The  object  of  this  department  shall  be  to  enlist  the 
young  women  in  the  cause  of  missions,  to  lead  them  to 
personal  consecration,  to  disseminate  missionary  knowledge, 
and  to  raise  funds  to  be  applied  to  any  work  undertaken 
by  this  department,  under  the  supervision  of  the  Women's 
Missionary   Association. 

2.  The  head  of  this  department  shall  be  a  secretary,  who 
shall  be  elected  by  the  board  of  managers. 

3.  The  secretary  shall  send  out  plans  ana  suggestions  to 
branch  secretaries  of  the  Otterbein  Guild,  aid  in  developing 
the  work  in  the  branches,  and  conduct  the  department  of 
the  Otterbein  Guild  in  the  Evangel,  subject  to  the  approval 
of  the  editor.  She  shall  make  quarterly  reports,  also  an 
annual  report  to  the  general  secretary.  She  shall  make  an 
annual  report  to  the  association  through  the  Evangel  and  a 
biennial  report  to  the  board  of  managers. 

Article   XV. — Department    of   Literature. 

1.  The  Evangel  shall  be  the  official  organ  of  the  Women's 
Missionary  Association.  Its  editor  shall  be  elected  by  the 
board  of  trustees. 

2.  The  object  of  this  department  shall  be  to  awaken  ami 
inform  the  women,  the  young  women,  and  the  children 
of  the  Church  on  the  subject  of  missions,  to  increase  the 
circulation  of  the  Evangel  and  to  encourage  the  use  of  mis- 
sionary literature,  missionary  leaflets,  and  books  of  the  mis- 
sion study  course. 

3.  The  head  of  this  department  shall  be  a  secretary  who 
shall  be  elected  by  the  board  of  managers. 

4.  There  shall  also  be  a  general  literature  committee, 
composed  of  three  members — the  secretary  of  the  department. 


134  DISCIPLINE 

the  editor  of  the  Evangel,  and  a  third  member  elected  by 
the  hoard  of  trustees — whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  prepare  and 
publish  the  literature  of  the  association. 

5.  The  officers  of  this  department  shall  consist  of  the 
department  secretary,  and  secretaries  of  literature  in 
branches,  local  societies,  and  chapters  of  the  Otterbein  Guild. 

6.  Through  the  department  secretary  this  committee  shall 
send  out  plans  and  suggestions  to  the  secretaries  of  litera- 
ture of  the  branches,  assist  in  developing  the  work  in  the 
branches,  submit  quarterly  reports  and  an  annual  report  to 
the  association  through  the  Evangel  and  a  biennial  report  to 
the  board  of  managers. 

7.  All  money  received  from  the  sale  of  literature  shall 
be  retained  by  the  general  literature  committee  for  the  main- 
tenance of  the  work. 

Article  XVI. — Thank-offering  Department. 

1.  The  object  of  this  department  shall  be  to  emphasize 
the  devotional  and  educational  features  of  our  giving ;  to 
help  the  women  to  give  systematically,  and  as  an  act  of 
worship. 

2.  The  head  of  this  department  shall  be  a  secretary,  who 
shall  be  elected  by  the  board  of  managers. 

3.  The  secretary  shall  send  out  plans  and  suggestions  to 
the  branch  secretaries,  aid  in  developing  the  work  of  the 
branches,  and  conduct  the  thank-offering  department  in  the 
Evangel,  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  editor.  She  shall 
make  an  annual  report  to  the  association  through  the 
Evangel,  and  a  biennial  report  to  the  board  of  managers. 

Article  XVII. — Department  of  Children's   WorJ:. 

The  object  of  this  department  shall  be  to  educate  the 
children  in  missionary  work,  in  definite  prayer,  and  system- 
atic giving  for  missions. 

This  work  shall  be  done  through  the  .Junior  Christian 
Endeavor  society  in  harmony  with  the  following  sections 
from   the  Junior  constitution : 

1.  "Monthly  missionary  meetings  shall  be  held  at  which 
time  missionary  offerings  may  be  taken." 

2.  "The  Junior  Christian  Endeavor  society  in  its  mis- 
sionary activities  is  asked  to  co-operate  with  the  Women's 
Missionary  Association  which  in  turn,  may  assist  the  Junior 
superintendent   in    cultivating   a   missionary   interest   among 


womKxN's  missionary  society  135 

the  Juniors  by  suggesting  missionary  literature  and  infor- 
mation." 

3.  "The  missionary  funds  raised  by  the  Junior  Christian 
Endeavor  societies  for  missionary  purposes  other  than  con- 
ference missionary  objects  sliall  l)o  sent  by  the  branch 
Christian  Endeavor  treasurer  to  the  treasurer  of  the  Wom- 
en's  Missionary  Association,  at   Dayton,  Ohio." 

Section    II. 

CONFERENCE    BRANCH    CONSTITUTION. 

Article  I. — Name. 

This  branch  shall  be  called  the  Branch  of 

the  Women's  Missionary  Association  of  the  Chur^'h  of  the 
United  Brethren  in  Christ. 

Article  II. — Object. 
The  object  of  the  branch   shall  be   to  enlist   the   women, 
the   young  women,   and  the  children   within   the   bounds   of 

Conference  in  the  cause  of  missions,   to  lead 

them  to  personal  consecration,  to  disseminate  missionary 
knowledge,  and  to  raise  funds  to  help  carry  forward  the 
liome  and  the  foreign  work  of  the  Women's  Missionary 
Association. 

Article  III. — Membership. 
The  membership  of  this  branch  shall  consist  of  the  mem- 
bers of  the  association  living  within  the  bounds  of  the  con- 
ference. 

Article  IV. — Officers. 
The  officers  of  the  branch  shall  be  a  president,  two  vice- 
presidents,  a  secretary,  a  treasurer,  a  secretary  of  the  Otter- 
bein  Guild,  a  secretary  of  literature,  and  a  secretary  of 
thank-offering.  The  officers  shall  be  elected  by  ballot  at 
the  annual  meeting. 

Article  V. — Executive  Committee. 
The  officers  of  the  branch,  together  with  the  branch 
superintendent  of  Junior  Christian  Endeavor  (who  is  a 
member  ex-nfficio)  shall  constitute  the  executive  committee. 
The  organizers  shall  be  advisory  members.  The  executive 
committee  shall  meet  after  the  branch  meeting  and  outline 
definite  plans  for  the  year.     It  shall  supervise  and  develop 


136  DISCIPLINL' 

the  work  within  the  bounds  of  the  conference  ;  divide  the 
conference  into  two  districts  over  which  the  vice-presidents 
shall  have  supervision  ;  seek  to  secure  the  organization  of 
local  societies  and  chapters  of  the  Otterbein  Guild  in  each 
church,  and  strengthen  those  already  existing. 

Article  VI. — Duties  of  Officers. 

1.  The  president  shall  preside  at  the  annual  meeting  and 
have  general  supervision  of  all  the  work  of  the  branch. 
She  shall  endeavor  to  have  all  the  plans  adopted  by  the 
branch  executive  committee  carried  into  effect. 

2.  The  vice-presidents  shall  co-operate  with  and  aid  the 
president  in  every  possible  way  to  carry  out  the  plans  of 
the  branch.  They  shall  superintend  the  districts  into  which 
the  branch  may  be  divided,  shall  have  charge  of  the  member- 
ship at  large,  and  shall  assist  in  developing  and  strengthen- 
ing the  work.  They  shall  preside  in  the  absence  of  the 
president,  or  upon  request. 

3.  The  secretary  shall  keep  a  record  of  the  proceedings 
of  the  annual  meeting  and  of  the  executive  committee  meet- 
ings. She  shall  submit  quarterly  reports  to  the  general 
secretary,  which  shall  reach  her  not  later  than  June  29, 
September  29,  December  29,  March  29,  also  the  annual 
report  not  later  than  March  29.  She  shall  announce  all 
the  branch  and  executive  committee  meetings  and  present 
an  annual  report  to  the  branch  convention, 

4.  The  treasurer  shall  receive  all  funds  of  the  branch 
and  transmit  the  same,  except  the  branch  contingent,  to  the 
general  treasurer.  She  shall  submit  quarterly  reports  to 
the  general  treasurer,  which  shall  reach  her  not  later  than 
June  29,  September  29,  December  29,  March  29,  also  the 
annual  report  not  later  than  March  29,  when  the  books  of 
the  general  treasurer  close.  She  shall  pay  bills  of  the 
branch  only  upon  vouchers  properly  certified  by  the  presi- 
dent and  secretary.  She  shall  give  bond,  and  her  books  shall 
be  audited  annually.  She  shall  present  an  annual  report  to 
the  branch  convention. 

5.  The  secretary  of  the  Otterbein  Guild  shall,  in  harmony 
with  the  department  secretary,  endeavor  to  interest  the 
young  w'omen  in  each  local  church  of  the  conference  in  mis- 
sions, and,  whenever  possible,  organize  a  chapter.  She  shall 
submit  quarterly  reports  to  the  department  secretary,  which 
shall  reach  her  not  later  than  June  29,  September  29, 
December   29,    and   March    29,    also    the   annual   report   not 


U'OAIEX'S    MISSIONARY    SOCIETV  137 

later  than  March  29.     She  shall   present  an   annual   report 
to  the  branch  convention. 

6.  The  secretary  of  literature  shall,  during  the  year, 
select  and  recommend  missionary  literature  to  local  secre- 
taries of  literature,  and  for  the  sales  table  at  the  branch 
convention. 

She  shall  endeavor  to  secure  a  wider  reading  of  mission- 
ary literature,  especially  of  the  Evangel  and  missionary 
leaflets.  She  shall  encourage  the  use  of  the  books  of  the 
mission  study  course.  She  shall  submit  quarterly  reports  to 
the  department  secretary  which  shall  reach  her  not  later 
than  June  29,  September  29,  December  29,  and  March  29, 
also  the  annual  report  not  later  than  March  29.  She  shall 
present  an  annual  report  to  the  branch  convention. 

7.  The  secretary  of  thank-offering,  in  harmony  with  the 
department  secretary,  shall  endeavor  to  interest  the  women 
and  girls  in  each  local  society  and  chapter  in  the  branch 
in  this  department.  Her  annual  report  shall  reach  the 
department  secretary  not  later  than  March  29.  She  shall 
present  an  annual  report  to  the  branch  convention. 

Article   VII. — Meetings. 

The  branch  shall  meet  annually  and  shall  consist  of  the 
branch  ofiicers,  three  delegates  from  each  local  society,  two 
delegates  from  each  chapter  of  the  Otterbein  Guild,  the  life 
patrons,  and  life  directors  residing  within  the  branch  and 
paying  annual  dues.  Life  members  shall  be  advisory  mem- 
bers. 

It  shall  receive  and  pass  upon  reports.  It  shall  transact 
any  business  pertaining  to  its  work.  It  shall  elect  officers 
and  three  delegates  to  the  meeting  of  the  board  of  managers, 
one  of  whom  should  be  a  representative  of  the  Otterbein 
Guild,   and   another   a  member  of  the   executive   committee. 

Article  VIII. — Contingent  Fund. 
The  expenses  of  the  branch  officers  to  the  executive  com- 
mittee meetings,  its  delegates  to  the  biennial  meeting  of  the 
l)oard  of  managers,  and  all  other  expenses  of  the  branch 
shall  be  provided  for  by  a  contingent  fund  derived  from 
the   societies   within    the   branch,    as   hereinafter    provided. 


13S  DISCIPLINE. 

Section   III. 

LOCAL    SOCIETY    CONSTITUTION. 

Article  I. — iYff»?e. 

This  society  shall  be  called  the  local  society, 

Branch  of  the  Women's  Missionary  Association 


of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ. 

Article  U.—Ohjrct. 

The  object  of  this  local  society  shall  be  to  enlist  the  women 

of    the   church    in    the    cause    of    missions,    to 

lead  them  to  personal  consecration,  to  disseminate  mission- 
ary knowledge,  and  to  raise  funds  to  help  carry  forward 
the  home  an-d  the  foreign  work  of  the  Women's  Missionary 
Association. 

Article  II L — .1/cm hership. 

1.  Any  woman  may  become  a  member  by  the  payment  of 
ten  cents  per  month,  the  .yearly  total  to  be  divided  as  follows  : 
$1.00  to  general  fund,  20  cents  to  branch  contingent. 

2.  The  society  shall  provide  for  all  expenses  connected 
with  the  work  of  the  society  through  a  local  contingent 
fund. 

3.  Any  child  may  become  a  meralier  by  the  payment  of 
five  cents  per  month,  and  shall  be  reported  on  the  list  of 
associate  members. 

4.  The  payment  of  $10  at  one  time,  o*  by  installments 
within  five  years,  shall  constitute  a  life  membership.* 

The  payment  of  $25  at  one  time,  or  by  itistalinients  with- 
in five  years  shall  constitute  a  life  directorship.* 

The  payment  of  $100  at  one  time,  or  by  installments 
within  five  years,  shall  constitute  a  life  patronship.* 

5.  Life  patrons  shall  be  full  members  of  the  board  of 
managers ;  life  directors  shall  be  advisory  members  of  the 
same.  Life  patrons  and  life  directors  shall  be  full  mem- 
bers, and  life  members  shall  be  advisory  members  of  the 
branch  Avithin  whose  bounds  they  reside.  These  privi- 
leges are  accorded  only  to  those  who  pay  annual  dues. 

Article  IV. — Officers. 
The  officers  of  the  local  society  shall  consist  of  a  president, 
a    vice-president,    a   secretary,    a    treasurer,    a    secretary    of 


*A  certificate  sliall   be  given   at  the  time  of  payment  in   full, 
but  this  certificate  shall  not  exempt  from  annual  dues. 


WOMEN'S    MISSIONARY    SOCIETY  139 

literature,  a  secretary  of  thank-offering,  and  two  or  more 
collectors  who  shall  be  elected  by  ballot  at  the  annual  meet- 
ing in  March. 

Article   V. — Executive    Committee. 
The  officers  of  the  society  shall  constitute   the  executive 
committee,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  supervise  and  plan  the 
work  of  the  society.     They  shall  endeavor  to   interest  and 
enlist  every  woman  and  girl  in  the  church  in  the  work. 

Article  TI. — Duties  of  Officers. 

1.  The  president  shall  preside  at  all  meetings  of  the 
society  and  supervise  its  general  interests.  She  shall  be 
ex  officio  a  member  of  every  standing  committee  of  the  so- 
ciety, and  present  in  writing  a  report  of  the  work  to  each 
quarterly  conference, 

2.  The  vice-president  shall  co-operate  with  and  aid  the 
president  in  every  possible  way  to  carry  out  the  plans  of 
the  society.  She  shall  preside  in  the  absence  of  the  presi- 
dent or  upon  request. 

3.  The  secretary  shall  keep  a  record  of  the  proceedings 
of  each  meeting  and  the  meetings  of  the  executive  commit- 
tee. She  shall  keep  a  record  of  the  names  of  the  members, 
also  a  separate  record  of  the  names  of  the  life  members, 
life  directors,  and  life  patrons.  She  shall  send  quarterly 
reports  to  the  branch  secretary  which  shall  reach  her  not 
later  than  June  20,  September  20,  December  20,  March  20, 
also  the  annual  report  not  later  than  March  20.  She  shall 
present  a  report  in  writing  to  the  local  society  at  each 
quarterly  business  meeting,  and  an  annual  report  at  the  busi- 
ness meeting  in  March. 

4.  The  treasurer  shall  receive  all  funds  of  the  society 
and  transmit  the  same,  except  the  local  contingent,  to  the 
branch  treasurer.  She  shall  submit  quarterly  reports  to  the 
branch  treasurer  which  shall  reach  her  not  later  than  June 
20,  September  20,  December  20,  and  March  20,  also  the 
annual  report  not  later  than  March  20,  when  the  books  of 
the  branch  treasurer  close.  She  shall  present  a  report  in 
writing  to  the  local  society  at  each  quarterly  business  meet- 
ing, also  an  annual  report  at  the  business  meeting  in  March. 
She  shall  present  a  report  in  writing  to  each  quarterly  con- 
ference.    Her  books  shall  be  audited  annually. 

5.  The  secretary  of  literature  shall  seek  to  create  and 
foster  an   interest  in   missions  by   means  of  missionary  lit- 


140  DISCIPLINE 

erature,  pictures,  etc.  She  shall  select  and  purchase  mis- 
sionary literature  during  the  year,  secure  the  largest  num- 
ber of  subscriptions  possible  to  the  Evangel,  urge  the  use  of 
a  mission  study  course  and  be  a  member  of  the  program  com- 
mittee. 

She  shall  send  quarterly  reports  to  the  branch  secretary 
of  literature  which  shall  reach  her  not  later  than  June  20, 
September  20,  December  20,  March  20,  also  an  annual  report 
not  later  than  March  20.  She  shall  present  a  report  in 
writing  to  the  local  society  at  each  quarterly  business  meet- 
ing, and  an  annual  report  at  the  business  meeting  in  March. 

6.  The  secretary  of  thank-offering  shall  endeavor  to 
carry  out  in  the  local  society  the  plans  suggested  for  this 
department.  She  shall  urge  the  use  of  the  thank-offering 
boxes.  She  shall  send  an  annual  report  to  the  thank-offering 
secretary  of  the  branch,  which  shall  reach  her  not  later 
than  March  20.  She  shall  present  a  report  in  writing  to 
the  local  society  at  each  quarterly  business  meeting,  and  an 
annual  report  at  the  business  meeting  in  March. 

7.  The  collectors  shall  visit  the  women  of  the  church, 
solicit  members,  collect  monthly  dues,  also  special  funds. 
They  shall  work  under  the  direction  of  the  treasurer  and 
shall  pay  all  moneys  to  the  treasurer  before  each  quarterly 
business  meeting.  They  shall  present  a  report  in  writing 
at  each  quarterly  business  meeting. 

Article  VII. — Meetings. 

The  local  society  shall  hold  meetings  once  a  mouth.  The 
quarterly  business  meetings  shall  be  held  in  June,  September, 
December,  and  March,  at  which  time  the  reports  of  officers 
shall  be  heard  and  the  business  of  the  society  transacted. 
Necessary  items  of  business  may  be  transacted  at  any  meet- 
ing. 

The  annual  meeting  shall  be  in  March,  at  which  time  the 
officers,  also  three  delegates  and  three  alternates  to  the 
branch  convention  shall  be  elected  by  ballot. 


OTTERBEIN   GUILD  141 

Section   IV. 

OTTERBEIX   GUILD   CONSTITUTIOX. 

Article  I, — Name. 

This   society    shall    be   called    the Chapter 

of  the  Otterbein  Guild  of ■ Church,  

Branch    of    the    Women's    Missionary    Association    of    the 
Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ. 

Article  ir.— Object. 
The  object  of  this  society  shall  be  to  enlist  young  women 
in  the  cause  of  missions,  to  lead  them  to  personal  consecra- 
tion, to  disseminate  missionary  knowledge,  and  to  raise 
funds  to  be  applied  to  any  work  undertaken  by  this  -depart- 
ment of  the  Women's  Missionary  Association. 

Article  III. — ilent hership. 

1.  Any  young  unmarried  woman  may  become  a  member 
by  the  payment  of  six  cents  per  month,  the  annual  total 
to  be  divided  as  follows :  00  cents  to  general  fuml,  12  cents 
to  branch  contingent. 

2.  The  chapter  shall  provide  for  all  expenses  connected 
with  the  work  of  the  chapter  through  a  local  contingent  fund. 

3.  All  members  are  invited  to  sign  the  covenant. 

4.  The  payment  of  $10  at  one  time,  or  by  installments 
within  five  years,  shall  constitute  a  life  membership.* 

The  payment  of  $25  at  one  time,  or  by  installments  with- 
in  five  years,   shall  constitute   a   life' directorship.* 

The  payment  of  $100  at  one  time,  or  by  installments 
within   five   years,   shall   constitute   a  life   patronship.* 

.").  Life  patrons  shall  be  full  members  of  the  board  of 
managers,  life  directors  shall  be  advisory  members  of  the 
same.  Life  patrons  and  life  directors  shall  be  full  mem- 
bers, and  life  members  shall  be  advisory  members  of  the 
l)rauch  within  whose  bounds  they  reside.  These  privileges 
are  accorded  only  to  those  who  pay  annual  dues. 

Article  IV.— Officers. 
The   officers  of  this  society   shall  be  a  president,   a  vice- 
president,  a  secretary,  a  treasurer,  a  secretary  of  literature, 
a   secretary   of   thank-offering,    and   two    or   more   collectors, 


*A  certificate  shall   bo  given  at   the   time  of  paymcut   iu   lull, 
but  this  certificate  shall  not  exempt  from  annual  dues. 


142  DISCIPLINE 

who   shall   be   elected   by   ballot   at   the   annual    meeting   in 
March. 

Article  V. — Patroness. 

A    patroness    shall    be    elected    by    ballot    at    the    annual 

meeting.     She  shall  be  a  member  of  the  local  society  if  one 

exists,    otherwise    any    missionary    leader,    and    shall    be    an 

advisory  member  of  the  executive  committee  of  the  cliapter. 

Article  VI, — Executive  Committee. 
The  officers  of  the  chapter  including  the  patroness  shall 
constitute  the  executive  committee,  whose  duty  it  shall  be 
to  supervise  and  plan  the  work  of  the  chapter.  They  shall 
endeavor  to  interest  and  enlist  all  the  girls  and  young 
women  in  the  church  in  the  work.  The  president  shall  be 
chairman  of  this  committee. 

Article  VII. — Duties  of  Officers. 

1.  The  president  shall  preside  at  all  meetings  of  the 
chapter  and  supervise  its  general  interests.  She  shall  be 
ex  officio  a  member  of  all  standing  committees  of  the  chap- 
ter, and  shall  present  in  writing  a  report  to  each  quarterly 
conference. 

2.  The  vice-president  shall  co-operate  with  and  aid  the 
president  in  every  possible  way  to  carry  out  the  plans  of  the 
chapter.  She  shall  be  a  member  of  the  program  committee, 
and  shall  preside  in  the  absence  of  the  president,  or  upon 
request. 

3.  The  secretary  shall  keep  a  record  of  the  proceedings 
of  each  meeting  and  the  meetings  of  the  executive  com- 
mittee. She  shall  keep  a  record  of  the  names  of  the  mem- 
bers, also  a  separate  record  of  the  names  of  life  members, 
life  directors,  and  life  patrons.  She  shall  send  quarterly 
reports  to  the  branch  secretary  of  the  Otterbein  Guild,  which 
shall  reach  her  not  later  than  June  20,  September  20.  De- 
cember 20,  March  20,  also  an  annual  report  not  later  than 
March  20.  She  shall  present  a  report '  in  writing  to  the 
chapter  at  each  quarterly  business  meeting  and  an  annual 
report  at  the  business  meeting  in  March. 

4.  The  treasurer  shall  receive  all  funds  of  the  chapter 
and  transmit  the  same,  except  the  local  contingent,  to  the 
branch  treasurer.  She  shall  submit  quarterly  reports  to  the 
branch  treasurer,  which  shall  reach  her  not  later  than  June 
20,  September  20,  December  20,  March  20,  also  the  annual 
report   not   later    than    March   20,    when    the   books    of    the 


oTiKHnEiN  (iuir-i)  143 

branch  treasurer  close.  She  shall  present  a  report  in  writ- 
ing to  the  chapter  at  each  quarterly  business  meeting  and  an 
annual  report  to  the  business  meetinp:  in  March.  She  shall 
present  a  report  in  Avrilins  to  ea'-h  quarterly  conference. 
Her  books'  shall  be  audited  annually. 

5.  The  secretary  of  literature  shall  seek  to  create  and 
foster  an  interest  in  missions  by  means  of  missionary  liter- 
ature, pictures,  etc.  She  shall  select  and  purchase  mission- 
ary literature  during  the  year,  secure  the  largest  number 
of  subscriptions  possible  to  the  Evangel,  urge  the  use  of  the 
Bible  and  mission  study  courses,  and  be  a  member  of  the 
program  committee. 

She  shall  send  quarterly  reports,  also  an  annual  report  to 
the  branch  secretary  of  literature,  which  shall  reach  her 
not  later  than  June  21),  September  2l),  December  20,  March 
20,  and  the  annual  report  not  later  than  March  20.  She 
shall  present  a  report  in  writing  to  the  chapter  at  each 
quarterly  business  meeting  and  an  annual  report  to  the 
business  meeting  in  ^Slarch. 

6.  The  secretary  of  thank-offering  shall  endeavor  to  carry 
out  in  the  chapter  the  plans  suggested  for  this  department. 
She  shall  urge  the  use  of  the  thank-offering  boxes.  She  shall 
send  an  annual  report  to  the  thank-offering  secretary  of  the 
branch,  which  shall  reach  her  not  later  than  March  20.  She 
shall  present  a  report  in  writing  to  the  chapter  at  each 
quarterly  business  meeting,  and  an  annual  report  at  the 
business  meeting  in  March. 

7.  The  collectors  shall  visit  the  girls  and  young  women 
of  the  church,  solicit  members,  collect  monthly  dues,  also 
special  funds.  They  shall  work  under  the  direction  of  the 
treasurer  and  shall  pay  all  moneys  to  the  treasurer  before 
each  quarterly  business  meeting.  They  shall  present  a  report 
in  writing  at  each  quarterly  business  meeting. 

Article  VIII. — Meetings. 

The  chapter  shall  hold  a  regular  meeting  once  a  month. 
The  quarterly  business  meetings  shall  be  held  in  June,  Sep- 
tember, December,  and  INIarch.  at  which  time  the  reports  of 
the  officers  shall  be  heard  and  the  business  of  the  society 
transacted.  Necessary  items  of  business  may  be  transacted 
at  any  meeting. 

The  annual  meeting  shall  be  held  in  March,  at  which  time 
the  officers,  also  two  delegates  and  two  alternates  to  the 
branr-h  convention,  shall  be  elected  by  ballot. 


CHAPTER  XX. 
Women's  Aid  Society. 

constitution. 
Article  I. — Organiza tion. 
When  at  any  time  an  opportunity  presents  itself  for  the 
organization  of  a  sufficient  number  of  women  (who  are 
members  or  friends  of  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren 
in  Christ)  into  a  society  for  mutual  aid  in  promoting  the 
spiritual,  social,  financial,  and  intellectual  interests  of  a 
congregation  or  charge,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  pastor 
or  the  conference  superintendent  of  the  district  to  call 
together  the  women  of  the  congregation  or  charge,  and,  after 
securing  the  names  of  all  present  wishing  to  become  mem- 
bers of  the  organization,  he  shall  proceed  to  organize,  by 
having  elected  by  ballot  a  president,  vice-president,  secre- 
tary, and  treasurer,  whose  duties  shall  be  those  usually 
devolving  upon   such  officers. 

.  1  rticle  II. — Na me. 
This    organization    shall    l)e    known    as    the    Women's    Aid 
Society    of   the    Church    of    the    United    Brethren    in    Christ, 
at  . 

Article  III. — Annual  Election. 

The  officers  of  this  society  shall  be  elected  by  ballot  an- 
nually at  the  last  meeting  preceding  the  session  of  the 
annual  conference,  and  the  officers  elect  shall  assume  the 
duties  of  their  offices  at  the  first  meeting  succeeding  t he- 
session  of  the  annual  conference,  at  which  time  the  secretary 
shall  turn  over  to  the  secretary-elect  all  books  and  papers 
belonging  to  the  society,  and  the  treasurer  shall  make  settle- 
ment with  and  turn  over  to  the  treasurer-elect  all  funds 
belonging  to  the  society. 

The  president  and  treasurer  of  this  society,  when  members 
of  the  Church,  shall  be  members  of  the  quarterly  conference. 

144 


women's  aid  society  145 

Article  1 V. — Membership. 
Any    woman   of   good   standing,    friendly    to    the    work   of 
the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  may  become 
a  member  of  the  society. 

Article  V. — Meetings. 

The  regular  meetings  of  the  society  shall  be  at  least  once 
each  month,  and  oftener  when  any  interest  demands  it. 

The  meetings  shall  always  open  and  close  with  devotional 
exercises,  and  the  deliberations  shall  be  conducted  according 
to  the  usages  of  the  Church. 

In  case  of  the  absence  of  the  president  and  vice-president, 
the  secretary  shall  call  the  meeting  to  order,  and  proceed 
to  the  election  of  a  president  pro  tern.,  whose  official  acts 
shall  be  valid. 

Article  VI. — Dues. 
Each  member  of  the  society  shall  pay  into  the  treasury 
of  the  same  the  regular  monthly  dues  agreed  upon  by  the 
society,  and  in  case  a  member  shall  fail  to  pay  for  six  con- 
secutive months,  unless  unable  to  do  so,  her  name  may  be 
erased  from  the  roll  of  the  society. 

Article  VII. — Disbursement  of  Funds. 
All  moneys  collected  on  dues,  or  otherwise,  by  the  society 
shall  be  used  for  the  benefit  of  the  congregation,  or  charge, 
or  for  any  benevolent  purpose,  as  the  society  may  direct. 

Article  VIII. — Christian  Visitation. 

In  order  to  promote  the  work  of  Christianity  among  the 
families  under  our  influence,  the  members  of  the  society 
may  arrange  to  have  all  such  families  visited  at  least  once 
a  month,  by  dividing  the  homes  to  be  visited  into  districts 
and  one  or  two  go  to  each  home,  look  after  the  sick,  invite 
persons  to  the  various  services  of  the  church,  and  report  to 
I  he  pastor  or  leader  all  persons  whose  interest  demands  im- 
mediate attention. 

This  work  is  not  to  be  substituted  for  the  visitation  of  the 
I)astur  or  leaders,  but  is  meant  to  aid   them  in  their  work. 


CFIAPTER  XXI. 
.    Church  Erection  Society, 
constitution. 

Article  I. — ?\nme. 
This  society  shall  be  known   as  the  Church   Erection   So- 
ciety of  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  with 
headquarters  in  Dayton,  Ohio,  its  corporate  name  being  the 
Church  Erection  Society  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ. 

Article  II. — McmhcrsJi ip. 
All  members  of  the  United  Brethren  Church  shall  bf 
members  of  this  society  ;  further,  any  person  paying  $1,000 
at  one  time,  or  in  four  annual  payments  of  $250  each,  shall 
be  an  advisory  life  director.  The  secretary  shall  prepare 
and  furnish  to  such  advisory  life  directors  a  certificate  as 
evidence  of  such  directorship,  signed  by  the  president  and 
secretary. 

Article  III. — Ohjcct. 
The  object  of   this   society   shall   be   to   procure  desirable 
lots  in  strategic  centers  for  locations  for  churches  and  par- 
sonages, and  to  assist  congregatious  in  locating  and  erecting 
houses  of  worship  and  parsonages. 

Article  IV. — Officers. 

The  officers  of  this  society  shall  consist  of  nine  trustees, 
at  least  four  of  whom  shall  be  laymen,  who  shall  be  elected 
by  the  General  Conference.  The  board  of  bishops  shall 
select  one  of  the  bishops,  who  by  such  selection  shall  be  one 
of  the  nine  trustees  aforesaid. 

The  general  Church  Erection  secretary  shall  be  the  exe- 
cutive officer  of  this  society,  and  its  funds  shall  be  handled 
by  the  general  Church  treasurer. 

The  trustees  of  this  society  shall  meet  immediately  upon 
adjournment  of  the  General  Conference  upon  the  call  of  the 
general  secretary,  and  oi'ganize  by  electing  a  president  and 
a  vice-president  and  secretary  of  the  board. 

140 


CHURCH    ERECTION    SOCIETY  147 

Article  V. — Meetings. 
The  annual  meeting  of  the  board  of  trustees  shall  be 
held  at  such  time  and  place  as  the  board  itself  may  decide. 
Other  meetings  may  be  held  at  such  time  and  place  as  may 
be  designated  by  the  president  and  general  secretary.  Five 
of  the  members  shall  constitute  a  quorum. 

Article  VI. — Duties  of  Officers. 

1.  The  president  shall  preside  at  all  meetings  of  the 
board,  and  perform  all  duties  usual  to  the  office.  In  the 
absence  of  the  president,   the  vice-president  shall  preside. 

2.  The  general  secretary  shall  keep  a  record  of  the 
proceedings  of  the  board,  conduct  its  correspondence,  and 
devote  himself  to  the  work  of  securing  funds  and  otherwise 
attending  to  the  interests  of  the  society  as  the  board  may 
direct.  He  shall  submit  an  annual  report  to  the  board  of 
trustees  and  a  quadrennial  report  to  the  General  Conference. 
The  salary  of  such  secretary  shall  be  fixed  by  the  General 
Conference. 

3.  The  treasurer  shall  hold  the  funds  of  the  society 
subject  to  the  order  of  the  board. 

4.  The  board  of  trustees  shall  hold  annual  meetings, 
appoint  an  executive  committee  of  not  less  than  five, 
make  by-laws  to  regulate  its  business,  loan  money  to 
churches,  appropriate  money  to  defray  incidental  expenses, 
and  publish  such  matter  from  time  to  time  as  the  cause 
may  require.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  board  of  trustees, 
in  case  of  vacancy  in  the  office  of  secretary,  from  death, 
resignation,  or  other\vise,  to  appoint  his  successor  as  soon 
as  practicable,  who  shall  serve  till  the  following  General 
Conference. 

Article  VII. — Branch  Societies. 
1.  Each  annual  conference  of  the  Church  is  hereby  con- 
stituted a  branch  of  the  general  society  and  shall  elect  a 
board  of  trustees  of  not  less  than  five  of  its  members. 
This  board  shall  organize  by  electing  a  president,  secretary, 
and  treasurer.  It  shall  also  adopt  rules  of  regulation  for 
its  government  in.  harmony  with  the  rules  and  government 
of  the  general  board.  The  branch  secretary  and  treasurer 
shall  submit  annual  reports  to  their  conference  boards  and 
to  the  secretary  of  the  general  board  by  April  first  of  each 
year. 


148  DISCIPLINE 

2.  The  board  of  trustees,  in  conjunction  with  the  con- 
ference superintendent,  may  take  charge  of  the  property  of 
the  church  which  becomes  vacant  and  control  the  same  so 
as  to  subserve  the  best  interests  of  the  conference. 

Article  VIII. — Receipts  of  Treasurer. 
The  general  Church  treasurer  shall   receipt  for  all   money 
sent  him  by  the  various  conference  treasurers. 

Article  IX.—Aiti)Vu(iii()ti    for    Louns. 

1.  When  a  loan  from  Church  Erection  is  desired,  the 
quarterly  conference  or  oflBcial  board  so  desiring  it  shall  be 
called  together  for  the  purpose  of  voting  whether  or  not 
application  shall  be  made.  If  the  vote  be  favorable,  the 
application  shall  be  sent  to  the  conference  board  of  trustees 
for  its  approval,  and  upon  such  approval  the  conference 
board  of  trustees  shall  make  application  to  the  general  sec- 
retary of  the  general  Church  Erection  Society. 

2.  Where  there  is  no  local  church,  the  conference  branch 
society  shall  act  in  lieu  thereof. 

Article  X. — Graiitinf/  of  Loans. 

1.  The  board  shall  make  no  appropriations  where  there 
is  reasonable  prospect  that  the  church  asking  aid  can  suc- 
ceed without  it,  or  where  there  is  no  prospect  of  gathering 
a  good  church  membership. 

2.  Funds  shall  not  be  loaned  to  any  church  until  the 
church  property  is  secured  by  deed  as  provided  for  in 
the  Discipline ;  nor  shall  loans  be  made  to  churches  until 
their  trustees  have  forwarded  an  abstract  of  the  title  of 
their  property,  certificate  of  release  of  all  mechanics'  liens 
and  other  incumbrances,  and  their  notes,  secured  by  the  first 
mortgage  on  the  premises  properly  recorded  in  the  records 
of  the  courts,  for  the  inspection  of  the  board  of  managers,  or 
executive  committee. 

3.  A  record  of  all  loans  placed  by  the  general  board  on 
churches  and  parsonages  shall  be  kept  by  the  secretary  of 
the  branch  society  in  conferences  where  such  churches  and 
parsonages  are  located. 

4.  The  branch  society  shall  assist  the  general  board  in 
promptly  securing  the  return  of  all  loans  as  they  become 
due  on  churches  and  parsonages  within  its  jurisdiction ;  and 
the  secretary  of  each  conference  branch  society  shall  report 


CHUKCII    ERECTION    SOCIETY  149 

the  outstanding  Church  Erection  loans  within  his  territory 
at  each  session  of  the  annual  conference. 

Article  XI. — Duty  of  the  Ministry. 

1.  Each  pastor  shall  present  the  interests  of  church 
erection  to  his  people  during  the  year,  and  distribute  such 
literature  as  may  be  furnished  by  the  secretary  and  board 
of  managers. 

2.  The  conference  superintendent  shall  direct  attention 
to  the  interests  of  the  society  at  quarterly  meetings,  and 
shall  advise  with  the  pastors  as  to  the  best  methods  of  se- 
curing the  advancement  of  the  church  erection  cause.  They 
shall  also  interest  themselves  in  securing  special  gifts  and 
bequests  from  those  who  may  be  able   to  give. 

.4 rticle  XII. — Insurance. 
The  trustees  of  any  church  or  parsonage  which  re- 
.jeives  a  loan  from  the  Church  Erection  Society  shall  be 
required  to  secure  said  property  from  loss  by  fire  in  some 
reliable  insurance  company  in  favor  of  said  Church  Erection 
Society. 

Article  XIII. — Parsonage  Fund. 
The  board  of  trustees  may   set  aside   a   per   cent,  of  the 
church   erection   funds  .for   the  erection   of  parsonages. 

Article  XIV. — Administration  of  Funds. 

1.  All  moneys  collected  for  the  various  funds  of  church 
erection  shall  be  paid  to  the  treasurer  of  the  branch  society 
who  shall  promptly  remit  the  same  to  the  general  Church 
treasurer. 

2.  All  special  donations  and  bequests  shall  go  direct  to 
the  treasurer  of  the  general  board. 

Article  AT. — Lot  Fund. 

1.  Such  amounts  from  the  general  funds  of  the  society  as 
shall  from  time  to  time  be  determined  upon  by  the  board  of 
trustees,  together  with  all  funds  contributed  specially  for 
such  purpose,  shall  constitute  a  lot  fund. 

2.  This  fund  shall  be  used  for  purchasing  desirable  lots 
in    strategic    towns    and    cities    of    the    various    conferences 


150  DISCIPLINE 

where  we  have  no  chnrchos.  Said  lots  may  be  gifts  to  the 
local  churches  that  may  be  organized  in  such  places,  but  the 
deeds  of  conveyance  shall  contain  a  clause  providing  that  if 
the  same  is  not  used  for  church  purposes,  or  becomes  aban- 
doned by  the  local  church,  said  lots  thereupon  shall  revert  to 
the  general  Church  Erection  Society. 


chaptp:r  XXII. 

Printing  Establishment  and  Church   Publications. 

Section  I. 

printing  establishment. 

Name. 

1.  This  establishmeut  shall  be  called  the  Printing  Estab- 
lishment of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ. 

Election    of   Officers. 

2.  The  controlling  authority  herein  granted  shall  be 
vested  in  the  General  Conference  of  said  Church,  whose 
duty  it  shall  be  to  elect  the  necessary  agents  and  editors, 
and  fix  their  salaries,  and  make  or  amend  such  rules  as  in 
its  judgment  it  may  deem  expedient. 

Trustees — Election   and   Duties. 

3.  The  General  Conference  shall  elect  a  board  of  nine 
trustees  to  serve  for  four  years,  or  until  their  successors  are 
elected,  at  least  five  of  whom  shall  be  residents  of  the 
State  of  Ohio,  and  at  least  three  of  whom  shall  be  residents 
of  Dayton  or  its  vicinity. 

4.  The  board  of  trustees  thus  elected  shall,  during  the 
interval  of  the  General  Conferences,  take  the  oversight  of 
the  Printing  Establishment.  They  shall  meet  annually, 
or  oftener  if  need  be,  in  the  publishing  house  in  Dayton, 
Ohio,  on  the  call  of  their  president.  They  shall  also  select 
a  local  committee  of  three  of  their  number,  from  among 
those  residing  in  Dayton  or  vicinity. 

5.  The  local  committee  shall  take  the  oversight  of  the 
establishment  during  the  intervals  of  the  meetings  of  the 
board  of  trustees.  It  shall  meet  monthly,  or  oftener  if 
need  be,  and  shall  have  power  to  order  expenses  curtailed 
in  any  department  of  the  publishing  house ;  and,  should 
there  arise  a  difference  of  opinion  between  the  agent  and 
the  editor  of  any  of  the  publications  as  to  what  shall  appear 
in  the  columns  of  any  paper,  the  committee  shall  decide 
the  matter ;  it  shall  also  decide  what  book?)  that  have  been 
approved  by  the  book  committee  shall  be  published  by  the 

151 


152  DISCIPLINE 

house,   and   transact   such   other   business   as   may  come   be- 
fore it. 

6.  The  board  of  trustees  shall  have  full  power  at  an> 
meeting  to  discontinue  any  periodical  when  the  interests  of 
the  Church  or  Printing  Establishment  demand  it :  such 
action,  however,  shall  not  be  taken  except  by  a  two-thirds 
vote  of  the  board ;  and  then  the  office  and  salary  of  the 
editor  or  editors  shall  cease. 

7.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  trustees  to  see  that  the 
agent  and  editors  properly  and  faithfully  discharge  their 
duties.  In  case  of  dereliction  of  duty,  they  may  suspend  the 
delinquent  party  or  parties  from  office  until  the  General 
Conference ;  provided,  however,  that  no  one  shall  be  sus- 
pended until  a  copy  of  the  complaints  in  writing  has  been 
presented  to  the  accused,  and  an  opportunity  given  for 
defense  before  the  board  of  trustees. 

8.  The  trustees  may  make  any  by-laws  which  may  seem 
to  them  expedient  for  the  regulation  of  the  minor  concerns 
of  the  Printing  Establishment,  provided  they  are  not  incon- 
sistent with  any  General  Conference  rule. 

0.  The  editors,  publishing  agent,  and  trustees  are  author- 
ised to  make  such  changes  and  improvements  in  our  litera- 
ture during  the  quadrennium  as  may  be  necessary,  and  also 
to  adjust  any  discrepancies  between  the  periodicals  in  size 
and  price. 


Duties  of  Publishing  Agent. 
^0.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  agent  to  supervise  and 
manage  the  business  of  the  Printing  Establishment,  un- 
der the  direction  of  the  board  of  trustees ;  to  regulate  tliti 
publications  and  all  other  affairs  of  the  house,  except  that 
which  pertains  to  the  editorial  departments,  in  such  man- 
ner as  the  interests  of  the  Church  may  require.  lie  sluiU 
also  furnish  to  the  local  committee,  at  each  monthly  me<'f- 
ing,  a  full  and  satisfactory  statement  of  all  the  business 
transactions  of  the  previous  month;  and,  if  desired  by  tli** 
committee,  he  shall  present  for  examination  all  books, 
vouchers,  and  papers,  and  afford  tb.e  committee  every  means 
and  facility  for  a  full  and  intelligent  understanding  of  tlu- 
business  of  the  publishing  house.  He  shall  keep  separate 
accounts  with  each  department  of  the  business,  and  also 
each  periodical  published,  and  carry  into  effect  all  of  th*^ 
instructions  of  the  board   of  trustees  and  local   committee. 


I'UINTING    ESTABLISHMENT    AND    CHURCH    PUBLICATIONS     153 

11.  The  agent  and  local  committee  shall  annually  take 
an  account  of  stock,  including  in  the  inventory  all  the 
assets,  of  whatever  nature,  of  the  Printing  Establishment 
at  their  estimated  cash  value,  except  the  real  estate,  which 
shall  be  appraised  by  the  local  committee  of  the  board  of 
trustees  at  the  end  of  each  quadrenuium,  and  the  valuation 
shall  not  be  changed  prior  to  the  close  of  the  succeeding 
iiuadrennium  except  by  the  purchase,  sale,  improvement, 
or  destruction  of  property.  Such  inventory  shall  also  con- 
tain a  full  and  detailed  statement  of  all  liabilities,  profits, 
and  losses.  In  making  this  financial  exhibit,  two  separate 
and  distinct  accounts  shall  be  kept.  One  shall  be  a  com- 
plete financial  account  of  the  Printing  Establishment  proper, 
located  on  Fifth  Street.  Dayton.  Ohio.  The  other  shall  be  a 
complete  account  of  the  fiscal  condition  of  the  real  estate  at 
the  corner  of  Fourth  and  Main  streets,  Dayton.  Ohio,  setting 
forth  separately  each  piece  of  property  owned  or  controlled 
by  the  publishing  house.  The  agent  and  board  of  trustees 
shall  have  full  control  of  credits  and  collections. 

12.  The  agent  shall  prepare  and  publish  a  report  of  the 
condition  of  the  Printing  Establishment  annually  in  the 
Religious  Telescope,  and  shall  also  make  a  report  to  the 
General  Conference.  He  shall  make  arrangements  for  ver- 
batim  reports  of  the  proceedings  of  the  General  Conference 
for  publication. 

Vacancies. 

13.  Should  any  vacancy  occur  in  any  of  the  offices  of 
the  Printing  Establishment,  or  in  the  board  of  trustees,  the 
trustees  shall  fill  such  vacancy  until  the  sitting  of  the  suc- 
ceeding General  Conference. 

Employment   of   Time. 

14.  No  editor  or  officer  employed  in  the  Printing  Eatab- 
lisliment  shall  accept  any  office  or  engage  in  any  business 
which  will  interfere  with  the  duties  of  his  office. 

Proceeds. 

15.  The  profits  of  the  Printing  Establishment,  after  a 
sufficient  capital  to  carry  on  the  business  is  retained,  shall 
l)e  applied  to  the  benefit  of  traveling  and  worn-out  itinerant 
preachers  and  their  widows  and  orphans. 


154  DISCIPLINE 

Section  II. 

CHURCH    PUBLICATIONS. 

Book  Committee. 

1.  The  book  committee  shall  be  composed  of  the  editor 
of  the  Religions  Telescope,  editor  of  the  Watchword,  editor 
of  the  Sabbath-school  literature,  the  professor  of  theology  iu 
Bonebrake  Theological  Seminary,  and  the  publishing  agent. 
The  latter  shall  receive  all  manuscripts  and  have  power  to 
call  the  committee,  and  without  the  sanction  of  the  book 
committee  no  book  shall  be  published  in  the  name  of  the 
Church  or  publishing  house  during  the  interval  of  the 
General  Conferences.  The  agent  and  local  committee  shall 
select  a  book  editor. 

Authorship  of  Doctrinal  Publications. 

2.  No  one  of  our  preachers  or  laymen  shall  become  the 
author  of  any  doctrinal  book  or  pamphlet,  in  a  printed 
form,  in  the  name  of  the  Church,  without  the  approbation 
of  the  book  committee  or  an  annual  conference,  or  of  a 
committee  chosen  by  the  latter.  If  any  preacher  or  layman 
violates  this  rule,  he  shall  be  accountable  to  the  class  or  to 
the  quarterly  or  annual  conference,  as  the  case  may  be. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 
Education. 
Section  I. 

BOARD    OF    EDUCATION. 

Article  I. — Constitution. 

The  Board  of  Education  of  the  Church  Sot  the  United 
Brethren  in  Christ  shall  be  composed  of  the  following :  The 
bishops,  ex  officio,  the  presidents  of  our  colleges,  the  presi- 
dent of  Bonebrake  Theological  Seminary,  and  six  laymen 
to  be  elected  for  eight  years,  one  half  the  laymen  to  be  elected 
at  any  General  Conference ;  provided  that,  at  the  confer- 
ence of  1917,  three  shall  be  elected  for  four  years  and  three 
for  eight  years.  Seven  members  of  the  board  shall  consti- 
tute a  quorum. 

2.  There  shall  be  a  general  secretary  of  education,  elected 
by  the  General  Conference. 

Article  II. — Organization. 

1.  The  officers  of  the  board,  in  addition  to  the  general 
secretary,  shall  be  a  president  and  vice-president,  who  shall 
be  elected  by  the  board  at  the  first  session  immediately 
after  the  adjournment  of  General  Conference,  and  these 
officers  shall  hold  office  until  the  next  General  Conference. 

2.  The  general  secretary  of  education,  under  the  direc- 
tion of  the  board,  shall  conduct  the  correspondence,  keep  the 
records,  and  in  all  his  official  conduct  shall  be  subject  to  the 
authority  and  control  of  the  board.  His  time  shall  be  en- 
tirely employed  in  conducting  the  affairs  of  the  board  and 
promoting  its  objects  by  making  educational  investigations, 
by  traveling  in  its  interests,  by  visiting  the  schools  of  the 
Church  and  lending  assistance  to  the  officers  thereof,  by 
making  educational  addresses,  by  soliciting  funds  and  stu- 
dents for  the  schools  of  the  Church,  by  compiling  statis- 
tics and  other  information  for  the  uses  of  the  board,  and  by 
performing  such  other  labors  as  will  assist  the  existing 
schools  of  the  denomination  and  those  hereafter  established 

155 


15G  DISCIPLINE 

to    a   higher   d*»eree   of   efficiency,   and    perform    such    other 
duties  as  the  board  may  from  time  to  time  require. 

3.  There  shall  be  at  least  one  session  of  the  board  each 
year.  Special  meetings  of  the  board  may  be  called  by  the 
president,  upon  the  request  of  five  members. 

4.  In  the  case  of  a  vacancy  occurrijig  in  the  board,  by 
death  or  otherwise,  the  board  shall  have  power  to  fill  the 
vacancy,  the  election  to  be  by  ballot,  and  the  person  elected 
to  hold  office  until  the  next  meeting  of  the  General  Con- 
ference. 

Article  III. — Executive   Committee   and   By-Laws. 
The    boai-d    shall    have    power    to    appoint    an    executive 
committee   from  its  own   membership,   and   take  such   other 
measures   to  accomplish  the   object  of  its  creation   as  shall 
not  be  inconsistent  with  this  constitution. 

Article  IV. — Work  of  the  Board. 

1.  To  assist  in  every  way  the  cause  of  higher  edu- 
cation in  the  Church,  to  awaken  and  stimulate  an  interest 
in  this  important  work  throughout  the  borders  of  our  Zion, 
to  encourage  and  aid  our  educational  institutions  that  are 
striving  to  bring  the  Church  to  greater  efficiency,  and  to 
unite  the  friends  of  education  in  their  efforts,  that  greater 
unity  of  plan  may  be  secured,  and  the  forces  of  the  Church 
combined  to  give  our  people  advantages  commensurate  with 
the  needs  of  the  present  day. 

2.  To  seek  by  the  publication  of  tracts,  pamphlets,  ad- 
dresses, or  books  upon  educational  questions,  to  diffuse 
among  our  members  a  more  general  knowledge  of  the  value 
of  a  sanctified  education  and  of  a  well-instructed  ministry. 
and  thereby  awaken  in  them  a  better  appreciation  of  our 
institutions  of  learning  and  of  the  obligations  resting  upon 
them  to  give  of  their  substance  for  their  support. 

3.  To  make  an  annual  report  of  the  general  and  finan- 
cial condition  of  the  colleges  and  other  educational  institu- 
tions of  the  Church  ;  to  make  such  recommendations  to  the 
managers  of  these  institutions  as  will  tend  to  make  them 
more  effective. 

4.  This  board  shall  determine  the  number  of  colleges 
and  academies,  and  the  standards  for  the  various  grades  of 
institutions  of  learning  and  the  co-operating  territory  of 
each.      In    the    readjustment    of    co-operating    territory    of 


EDUCATION  157 

existing  institutions,  the  boarcl  shall  seek  such  an  equitable 
adjustment  as  may  be  satisfactory  to  the  conferences  and 
institutions  concerned. 

5.  The  board  shall  determine  the  standard  of  colleges 
which  grant  the  bachelor  degree.  The  remainder .  of  our 
schools  may  be  junior  colleges  or  academies  or  may  be  dis- 
continued, at  the  discretion  of  the  board.  The  junior  col- 
leges and  academies  shall  co-operate  with  the  standard 
colleges  in  course  of  study,  in  students,  and  in  every  way  pos- 
sible in  their  respective  districts.  The  courses  of  study 
of  like  grade  schools  shall  co-ordinate  as  far  as  possible, 
based  upon  the  minimum  of  units  as  outlined  by  the  board. 

(I.  No  church  school  shall  be  established,  discontinued, 
relocated,  or  consolidated  with  another  without  the  consent 
of  this  board,  by  a  two-thirds  vote  of  the  entire  board. 

7.  The  board,  through  its  secretary,  shall  make  to  the 
General  Conference  a  report  of  all  the  work  done  during 
the  preceding  four  years,  including  money  received  by  collec- 
tions, bequests,  or  othei^wise,  the  amount  paid  out,  and  the 
purposes  for  which  it  w^as  paid.  The  board  may  propose 
to  the  General  Conference,  from  time  to  time,  such  plans 
as  it  may  consider  useful  or  necessary  for  the  success  of 
the  work  committed  to  it. 

Article  V. — Amendments. 
No  addition  or  amendments  to  the  provisions  of  this 
constitution  shall  be  made  except  by  consent  of  a  majority 
of  the  members  of  the  General  Conference  present  at  any  of 
its  sessions.  Notice  of  any  proposed  addition  or  amend- 
ment shall  be  given  at  least  one  day  previous  to  its  consid- 
eration. 

Article   IT. — Education   Fund. 

1.  There  shall  be  an  education  fund  under  the  control 
of  this  board,  to  be  raised  by  the  secretary  and  members  of 
the  board,  in  the  form  of  cash,  gifts,  death  notes,  bequests, 
etc.  This  fund  shall  l)e  appropriated  at  the  discretion  of 
the  board. 

2.  To  accomplish  the  work  of  the  Board  of  Education,  an 
annual  offering  may  be  taken,  or,  if  the  boai-d  thinks  best, 
the  amount  to  be  raised  by  the  various  conferences  may  be 
apportioned  according  to  the  judgment  of  the  board  and  in 
accord   with    the   decision    of    the    Board    of   Administration. 


158  DISCIPLINE 

The  funds  thus  raisod  shall  be  sent  to  the  conference  church 
treasurer. 

Article  VII. — Annnol-donfcrcnce  Board. 
There  shall  be  a  board  of  education  in  each  annual  con- 
ference, which  shall  report  annually  to  the  annual  confer- 
ence. The  number  of  members  of  this  board,  the  method  of 
their  election,  and  their  organization  shall  be  determined  hy 
the  general  Board  of  Education,  This  board  shall  act  in  co- 
operation with  the  general  board  in  developing  our  educa- 
tional interests  within  its  territory.  The  local  institutions 
and  this  board  shall  work  in  harmony. 

Section  II, 
Beneficiary  Aid. 
Article  I. — Beneficiary  Aid  Fuml. 
The  Board  of  Education   shall  raise   funds   by   collection, 
donation,  or  bequest,  to  aid  liy  loan,  without  interest,  as  the 
executive    committee    may   determine,    in   educating,   in    both 
their  collegiate  and   theological  courses,   worthy  young  per- 
sons who  are  preparing  themselves  for  the  work  of  the  gospel 
ministry,  or  as  missionaries  in  the  United  Brethren  Church ; 
provided,  however,  that  the  board  shall  have  power  to  receive 
money  and  use  it  for  other  educational  purposes,  as  donors 
may  direct. 

Article  II. — Recommendations  for  Aid. 
Young  persons  aided  by  this  board  must  first  be  recom- 
mended as  suitable  persons  to  receive  aid  by  the  conference 
in  whose  bounds  they  live,  or  to  which  they  belong ;  or  by 
the  board  of  Foreign  Missions,  when  the  applicant  does  not 
reside  within  the  bounds  of  any  conference ;  or  by  an  edu- 
cational committee  appointed  by  the  conference,  to  which 
all  requests  for  aid.  not  acted  upon  by  conference,  or  which 
shall  occur  during  the  interim  of  its  sessions,  shall  be 
referred. 

Article  III. — Delinquents. 

No  person  having  received  aid  from  the  Board  of  Education 

may   be   granted   an  honorable   dismissal   by   his   conference 

until   he  shall   liave   made   satisfactory   settlement  with    the 

board.     The  bishops  arc  directed  to  enforce  this  provision. 


EDUCATION  159 

Section  III. 

EDUCATION    DAY. 

There  shall  be  observed  annually  in  each  congregation  an 
education  day,  at  which  time  pastor  and  people  shall  give 
special  attention  to  the  educational  interests  of  the  Church. 
The  churches  and  schools  shall  each  year  observe  the  day  of 
prayer  for  students.  The  board  of  education  shall  promote 
this  day  and  secure  special  offerings  for  the  work  of  the 
board. 

Section  IV. 

ACADEMIES    AND    COLLEGES. 

Article  I. — Academies. 
In  this  day  of  excellent  high  schools  in  many  parts  of 
our  country,  academies  should  be  located  judiciously,  and 
should  confine  their  literary  courses  of  study  to  such 
branches  of  learning  as  will  prepare  for  entrance  upon  the 
freshman  or  sophomore  year  of  the  best  colleges.  An  acad- 
emy doing  such  work  is  greatly  preferable  to  an  inferior 
college.  No  new  academy  shall  be  undertaken  with  a  less 
sum   than   fifty  thousand  dollars. 

Article  II. — Colleges. 

1.  The  success  of  our  church  work  is  connected  vitally 
with  the  colleges  of  the  Church.  In  these  our  youth  are 
developed  and  equipped  in  mind  and  heart  for  the  work  of 
effective  service  to  humanity.  As  to  Christian  education, 
the  divine  Word  aptly  declares :  "Wisdom  is  a  defence,  and 
money  is  a  defence ;  but  the  excellency  of  knowledge  is, 
that  wisdom  giveth  life  to  them  that  have  it." 

2.  The  ministry  and  laity  should  earnestly  use  their 
power  to  have  as  many  young  people  as  possible  attend  our 
own  institutions  of  learning,  and  to  encourage  persons  to 
give  liberally  of  their  means  for  the  more  thorough  estab- 
lishment and  equipment  of  our  educational  institutions. 

3.  No  college  shall  be  founded  except  upon  the  demand 
of  an  imperative  necessity,  or  with  a  less  sum  of  money 
than  two  hundred  thousand  dollars,  of  which  one  hundred 
thousand  dollars  shall  be  a  permanent  and  productive  en- 
dowment, and  whose  title  shall  be  in  fee  simple  to  the 
Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ. 


1  (K)  DISCIPLINE 

4.  It  is  recommended  that  the  several  presidents  and 
principals  of  our  institutions  of  learning  be  ex  officio  mem- 
bers of  the  local  official  bodies  which  govern  the  said  insti- 
tutions, 

5.  We  direct  that  the  endowment  funds  of  our  institu- 
tions of  learning  be  kept  sacred  for  the  purposes  for  which 
they  were  given,  and  not  dissipated  and  jeopardized  by  loans 
to  the  contingent  fund  of  the  institutions  and  spent  for  cur- 
rent expenses,  and  we  recommend  that  these  funds  of  our 
institutions  be  not  loaned  to  the  members  of  the  board,  or 
officers  or  teachers  of  the  institution,  or  others  who  are 
personally  interested  in  the  care  and  safe-keeping  of  these 
funds. 

6.  We  cordially  endorse  and  approve  the  best  method  of 
industrial  education  as  applied  in  those  institutions  where 
mechanical  and  other  equipment  is  provided  for  this  purpo»;e, 
and  recommend  that  this  practical  training  and  self-heli) 
be  secured  for  those  who  desire  it,  as  soon  as  practicable. 

Article  III. — Collcf/e  Extension  Courses. 
In  view  of  the  fact  that  many  of  our  ministers  and 
laymen  who  find  it  impossible  to  go  away  to  school,  would 
be  glad  to  pursue  a  course  of  study,  and  in  view  of  the 
university  and  college  movement  now  organized  in  most  of 
the  schools  of  higher  education  in  our  land,  we  recommend : 

1.  That  all  our  colleges  offer  such  non-resident  courses 
of  study  as  they  may  be  able  to  teach,  for  the  aid  and  en- 
couragement of  the  above-named  class  of  students. 

2.  That  these  students  be  examined  thoroughly  on 
their  courses  of  study,  and  that  suitable  diplomas  be 
awarded  those  who  complete  their  work  to  the  satisfaction 
of  the  respective  colleges. 

8.  We  recommend  that  onv  institutions  of  learning  pro- 
vide such  instruction  as  prepare  their  students  to  become 
leaders  of  song  in  church  and   Sunday  school. 

4.  We  recommend  that  our  institutions  of  learning  give 
greater  emphasis  to  the  training  of  their  young  people  for 
different  phases  of  religious  work. 

Section  V. 

BONEBRAKE  THEOLOGICAL   SEMINARY. 
Article  I. — Object. 
This    institution    of    sacred    learning,    located    in    Dayton, 
Ohio,  is  maintained   by  the   United  Brethren  in   Christ  for 


EDUCATION  161 

the  purpose  of  educating  persons  called  of  God  to  the  work 
of  the  ministry  and  the  spread  of  the  gospel  of  Christ  among 
men.  It  shall  be  under  the  control  of  the  General  Confer- 
ence of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  by  which  its  board 
of  trustees  shall  be  elected  at  each  quadrennial  session. 

Article  II. — Officers. 
The  officers  of  the  seminary  shall  consist  of  a  business 
manager  and  a  board  of  trustees,  who  shall  be  elected  by 
the  General  Conference,  The  board  of  trustees  shall  be 
composed  of  eighteen  members,  a  majority  of  whom  shall  be 
residents  of  the  State  of  Ohio.  The  acting  bishops  shall  be 
elected  by  the  General  Conference  as  members  of  said  board. 

Article  III. — Duties  of  Trustees. 

1.  The  board  of  trustees  shall  meet  on  the  call  of  the 
senior  bishop  immediately  after  its  election,  and  organize 
by  electing  a  president  and  secretary.  The  board  of  active 
bishops  shall  act  as  vice-presidents  in  the  order  of  their 
seniority.  It  shall  meet  annually  in  the  seminary  build- 
ing at  Dayton,  Ohio,  elect  a  president  and  the  necessary 
faculty,  review  the  work  of  the  business  manager  and  the 
faculty,  determine  the  salaries  of  the  faculty,  and  adopt 
measures  for  the  advancement  of  the  interests  of  the  institu- 
tion. 

2.  The  l)oard  of  directors  may  fill  any  vacancy  caused 
by  the  resignation,  removal,  or  refusal  to  serve  of  the  busi- 
ness manager  or  trustees. 

3.  The  board  shall  elect  four  persons  who,  together  with 
the  business  manager,  shall  constitute  the  executive  com- 
mittee, which  shall  meet  on  call  of  the  chairman  and  trans- 
act business  for  the  institution  in  accord  with  the  orders 
and  plans  of  the  board  of  trustees. 

4.  The  board  of  trustees  shall  make  a  report  of  its  work 
to  the  General  Conference,  giving  such  facts  in  connection 
with  the  seminary  as  it  may  deem  of  importance. 

Article  IV.— Business  Mamujer. 
The  business  manager  shall  reside  in  Dayton.  Ohio, 
and  shall  manage  the  assets  under  the  direction  of  the 
executive  committee,  have  charge  of  all  the  property,  and 
manage  the  business  of  the  institution.  He  shall  solicit 
and,  with  the  consent  and  approval  of  the  board  of  trustees. 


162  DISCIPLINE 

or  executivo  rommittpo,  oinploy  others  to  solicit  con- 
tributions lo  the  st>niiiiary.  In  tho  name  of  the  Bonobrake 
llieological  Seminary,  and  under  its  corporate  seal,  the  busi- 
ness manager  shall  execute  all  deeds  of  transfer  and  other 
legal  documents  which  may  be  authorized  by  the  board  of 
directors  or  its  executive  committee.  He  shall  report  to 
the  board  of  directors  annually,  and  to  the  General  Con- 
ference quadrennially,  an  account  of  all  receipts  and  expencli- 
tures,  together  with  any  recommendations  pertaining  to  the 
business  interests  of  the  institution. 

Article  V. — President's  Report. 
The  ))resident  of  the  seminary  shall  make  a  quadrennial 
report  concerning  the  standing  and  efficiency  of  the  institu- 
tion, its  scholarships  and  library,  together  with  any  recom- 
mendations pertaining  to  the  scholastic  work  of  the  institu- 
tion. 

Article  VI. — The  Custodian  of  Funds. 
The  general   Church   treasurer  shall    receive   and   disburse 
on  order  the  funds  of  the  seminary. 

AticJe  VII. — Endowment  and,  other  Funds. 
All  moneys  or  values  of  any  kind  given  to  the  semi- 
nary as  an  endowment  shall  be  held  sacred  as  a  permanent 
fund  and  securely  invested,  the  interest  only  to  be  used  in 
the  maintenance  of  the  seminary.  All  other  funds  shall  be 
used  as  the  interests  of  the  seminary  may  require  or  as  the 
donors  may  direct. 

Article  VIII. — Annual  Income. 
The  annual  apportionment  and  division  of  funds  shall  be 
by  the  Board  of  Administration,  as  outlined  in   the  plan  of 
finances   of   the   Church    (Chapter   XV.). 

Article   IX. — Obligation    of   Faculty. 

Each  professor  chosen  to  a  chair  in  the  seminary  shall, 
upon  the  day  of  his  inauguration,  publicly  subscribe  to  the 
following  declaration  of  faith  and  obligation  : 

I  solemnly  declare,  in  the  presence  of  God  and  the  officers 
of  Bonebrake  Theological  Seminary,  that  I  believe  the  Holy 
Scriptures,  Old  and  New  Testaments,  to  be  the  inspired 
Word  of  God,  and,  with  the  Holy  Spirit,  the  only  perfect 
rule   of    faith   and    practice.      I    believe    the    Confession    of 


EDUCATION  163 

Faith,  as  contained  in  the  thirteen  articles  in  our  Book  of 
Discipline,  to  be  a  truthful  consensus  of  the  fundamental 
doctrines  of  the  Bible.  I  believe  that  the  system  of  church 
government,  as  presented  in  the  Book  of  Discipline  of  the 
United  Brethren  in  Christ,  is  consistent  with  the  teachings 
of  the  sacred  Scriptures,  and  I  solemnly  promise  that  I  will 
not  teach  or  insinuate  anything  that  shall  in  any  way  be  in- 
consistent with  the  foregoing  declaration,  or  that  is  not  in 
harmony  with  the  Constitution  and  Confession  of  Faith 
and  the  rules  of  the  Church  as  set  forth  in  the  Discipline 
of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ.  I  also  promise,  by  divine 
assistance,  to  the  best  of  my  ability,  to  sustain  the  doc- 
trines of  the  Holy  Scriptures  as  thus  set  forth  by  the 
Church,  in  opposition  to  all  forms  of  error,  as  long  as  I 
shall  remain    a   professor  in    this   institution. 

[  Name] 

Article  X. — Entrance  Exaniination. 
The  faculty  shall  require  candidates  for  admission  to  the 
seminary  to  pass  any  examinatious  deemed  necessary  to 
determine  their  fitness ;  and  arrange  for  examinations  in 
the  respective  conferences  without  expense  to  the  candidates, 
provided  that  no  person  shall  be  permitted  to  enter  the 
regular  course  of  study  who  has  not  had  a  high  school  course 
or  its  fair  equivalent. 

Article  XI. — Postgraduate  Studies. 
The  faculty  may  arrange  postgraduate  courses  of  reading 
to  cover  one,  two,  or  three  years,  for  the  successful  comple- 
tion of  which  appropriate  seals  shall  be  placed  upon  the 
diplomas  of  alumni.  The  examination  shall  be  by  corres- 
pondence, or  otherwise,  as  the  faculty  may  arrange. 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

GENERAL  CHURCH  TREASURY. 

The  General  Conference  shall  elect  a  general  Church 
treasurer,  who  shall  be  the  treasurer  of  the  board  of 
trustees  of  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ, 
and  who  shall  receive  and  disburse,  on  order,  the  funds  of 
the  Home  Missiionary  Society,  the  Foreig^a  Missionary  So- 
ciety, Church  Erection  Society,  the  board  of  control  of 
the  Sunday  School,  Brotherhood  and  Young  People's  work, 
the  Board  of  Education,  General  Conference  expense  fund. 
Bonebrake  Theological  Seminary  fund,  and  other  benevolent 
funds  of  the  Church.  Said  treasurer  shall  give  bond  for 
the  faithful  performance  of  his  duty,  the  bond  to  be  fixed 
by  the  board  of  bishops  and  the  salary  by  the  General 
Conference. 


164 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

Evangelism, 
the  general  commission  on  evangelism. 

1.  There  shall  be  a  general  Commission  on  Evangelism, 
consisting  of  the  board  of  bishops  and  the  secretary  of  the 
Home  Mission  board,  members  ew-officio,  and  three  ministers 
and  three  laymen  to  be  elected  by  the  General  Conference. 

The  work  of  this  commission  shall  be :  First,  to  arrange 
for  the  employment  and  support  of  evangelists  to  work  in  the 
Church  at  large,  and  to  provide  and  send  out  such  literature 
as  will  arouse  a  greater  interest  in  this  department.  Second, 
to  give  careful  and  studied  attention  to  the  character  and 
fitness  of  the  men  of  this  denomination  who  desire  to  do  the 
work  of  an  evangelist,  and  to  furnish  reliable  information 
concerning  the  same  to  the  commission  on  evangelism  of  the 
Federated  Churches  of  Christ  in  America,  and  to  evangelistic 
committees  and  pastors  desiring  evangelistic  help. 

CONFERENCE   AND  LOCAL  ORGANIZATION. 

2.  Each  annual  conference  shall  have  an  evangelistic 
committee  consisting  of  the  conference  superintendent,  or 
superintendents,  and  the  superintendents'  council,  which  shall 
have  the  oversight  of  evangelistic  work  in  the  annual  con- 
ference. 

3.  There  shall  be  a  committee  of  three  or  more  in  each 
local  church  who,  in  conjunction  with  the  pastor,  shall  con- 
stitute a  local  evangelistic  committee,  of  which  the  pastor 
shall  be  the  chairman.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  this  com- 
mittee to  arouse  an  evangelistic  spirit  in  the  local  church, 
and,  if  possible,  to  enlist  every  member  of  the  society  in 
fcsoul  winning.  This  committee  shall  take  an  annual  census 
of  the  locality  in  which  the  church  is  situated,  and  tabulate 
the  result  for  the  use  of  the  church  and  Sunday  school. 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    EVANGELISTS. 

4.  Two  classes  of  evangelists  are  to  be  recognized,  as 
follows :  First,  Evangelists-at-large,  who  may  work  inde- 
I)»'udeutly  or  under  the  direction  of  the  general  evangelistic 
coiniuission.     Second,  conference  evangelists,  employed  by  the 


166  DISCIPLINF 

auDiml  coiifcrciuH'  at  a  stated  salary  to  be  provided  for  by 
the  annual  conference. 

No  person  shall  be  recognizee!  as  an  evangelist  who  has 
not  been  approved  by  his  annual  conference.  Any  one  de- 
siring the  relation  of  evangelist-at-large  must  be  approved 
by  his  annual  conference,  or  superintendents'  council,  and 
receive  credentials  from  the  general  Commission  on  Evan- 
gelism. 

5.  Before  any  evangelist,  other  than  those  of  our  own 
Church,  shall  be  invited  to  conduct  meetings  in  any  of  our 
local  churches,  he  must  be  endorsed  by  the  bishop  of  the 
district  and  the  superintendent  of  the  conference. 


CHAPTER   XXVI. 
Preachek.s'   Pension   Fund. 
A  pension  fund  shall  be  provided  for  the  purpose  of  aiding 
superannuated  ministers  in  the  Church  of  the  United  Breth- 
ren in  Christ  and  ministers'  widows. 

The  Board  of  Admiaistration  shall  conduct  a  great  pension 
fund  campaign  for  meeting  the  immediate  needs  of  those  en- 
titled to  payments  from  this  fund.  This  board  shall  also 
administer  the  fund  thus  secured. 


167 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 
Homes  and  Orphanages. 

1.  The  Quincy  United  Brethren  Orphanage  and  Home, 
located  at  Quincy,  Franklin  County,  Pa. ;  the  Otterbein 
Home,  located  near  Lebanon,  Warren  County,  Ohio ;  the 
Colonel  R,  M.  Baker  Home,  located  at  Otterbein,  Los  Angeles 
County,  California,  are  recognized  as  sustaining  well-defined 
relations  to  the  Church  as  general  institutions. 

2.  The  territory  which  shall  co-operate  with  the  Quincy 
United  Brethren  Orphanage  and  Home  shall  comprise  Alle- 
gheny, Erie,  Pennsylvania,  East  Pennsylvania,  Virginia, 
West  Virginia,  East  Tennessee,  and  Florida  conferences ; 
all  other  territory  to  co-operate  with  the  Otterbein  Home, 
except  the  Oregon,  Columbia  River,  and  California  confer- 
ences which  may  co-operate  with  the  Colonel  R.  M.  Baker 
Home  at  its  request. 

3.  The  General  Conference  shall  elect  trustees  for  the 
Quincy  United  Brethren  Orphanage  and  Home  and  the 
Otterbein  Home  from  their  respective  territories.  The  Cali- 
fornia Conference  shall  elect  trustees  for  the  Colonel  R.  M. 
Baker  Home. 

4.  The  boards  of  trustees  shall  adopt  such  plans  and 
rules  as  may  be  necessary  for  the  management  of  said  insti- 
tutions, provided  such  plans  and  rules  are  in  harmony  with 
the  Discipline  of  the  Church. 

5.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  board  of  bishops  to  pre- 
sent the  above  interests  to  each  of  the  respective  annual 
conferences  co-operating,  and  to  urge  a  free-will  offering  at 
Christmas,  or  some  other  suitable  time,  each  year,  and  to 
encourage  solicitations  of  funds  within  the  bounds  of  their 
districts. 

6.  In  order  to  secure  the  best  results  from  concentration, 
no  similar  institution  may  be  established  without  the  ap- 
proval of  the  General  Conference. 


168 


CHAPTER  XXVIIl. 

Historical  Society. 

Section  I. 

GENERAL    CONFERENCE    APPROVAL. 

1.  The  Historical  Society  of  the  Church  of  the  United 
Brethren  in  Christ,  located  in  Dayton,  Ohio,  having  for  its 
object  the  collecting  and  preserving  of  papers,  records, 
books,  and  other  materials  bearing  upon  the  history  of  the 
Church,  has  the  recognition  of  the  General  Conference. 

2.  Said  society  shall,  through  its  officers,  make  quad- 
rennial reports  to  the  General  Conference. 

Section  II. 

CONSTITUTION. 

Article  I. — Name. 
The  name  of  this  society  shall  be  the  Historical  Society 
of  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ. 

Article  II. — Object. 
Its  object  shall  be  to  collect  and  preserve  information 
iu  connection  with  the  rise  and  progress  of  the  Church  of 
the  United  Brethren  in  Christ;  also,  objects  of  curiosity 
and  interest,  in  the  form  of  manuscripts,  books,  pamplilets. 
medals,  portraits,  etc. 

Article  III. — Location. 
The   business   headquarters,    the   museum,    and    library   of 
the  society  shall  be  located  in  Dayton,  Ohio. 

Article  IV. — Members. 

1.  Any  person  approved  by  the  board  of  managers  may 
become  a  member  upon  the  payment  of  an  initiatory  fee 
of  one  dollar,  and  may  retain  membership  by  contributing 
one  dollar  annually  thereafter.  In  case  of  failure  to  pay 
fees  within  six  months  after  they  are  due,  membership  shall 
be  forfeited. 

2.  Any  person  approved  by  the  board  of  managers  may, 
by  the  payment  of  ten  dollars,  become  a  life  member,  and 
shall  be  exempt  from  the  payment  of  the  annual  fee. 

169 


170  DISCIPLINE 

3.  The  board  of  managers  shall  have  power  to  appoint 
a  corresponding  member  within  each  of  the  annual  confer- 
ences of  the  Church;  but,  at  the  request  of  the  board  of 
managers,  a  corresponding  member  may  be  elected  by  an 
annual  conference.  Other  corresponding  members  may  be 
elected  by  the  board,  at  their  option. 

4.  Any  person  considered  wortliy  of  the  honor  may 
be  elected  by  the  board  of  managers  to  honorary  member- 
ship, without  fees. 

Article  V. — Officers. 

1.  The  officers  shall  consist  of  a  president,  first,  second, 
and  third  vice-presidents,  secretary,  librarian,  and  a  board  of 
managers  consisting  of  these  oflScers  and  eight  other  mem- 
bers. The  general  Church  treasurer  is,  by  enactment  of 
General  Conference,  the  treasurer  of  the  society. 

2.  These  officers  shall  be  elected  at  each  regular  annua! 
meeting,  and  shall  serve  until  their  successors  have  been 
duly  elected. 

3.  The  election  of  officers  shall  be  conducted  by  ballot, 
unless  there  be  but  one  nomination,  in  which  case  the 
election  may  be  by  acclamation. 

4.  In  voting  by  ballot,  no  votes  shall  be  counted  ex- 
cept those  votes  cast  by  members  present  at  the  meeting,  for 
persons  nominated,  and  a  majority  of  all  votes  cast  shall 
be  necessary  to  election. 

5.  The  board  of  managers  shall  have  power  to  fill  vacan- 
cies. 

Article  VI. — Duties  and  Privileges  of  Members. 

1.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  members  of  every  class  to  pro- 
mote the  interests  of  the  society  in  every  way  possible, 
by  securing  for  the  society  such  information  and  such 
articles  as  will  be  of  value  in  accomplishing  the  purpos*^ 
«5*  ^-l»«  organization. 

2.  Annual  and  life  members  shall  be  entitled  to  all  the 
privileges  of  the  society,  including  admission  to  the  museum 
and  library.  Corresponding  and  honorary  members  shall  be 
entitled  to  admission  to  the  museum  and  library. 

Article  VII. — Duties  of  Officers. 
1.     The  duties  of  the  president,  vice-presidents,  secretary, 
and   treasurer  shall   be   such  as   are   usually   performed   by 
these  officers. 


HISTORICAL    SOCIETY  171 

2.  The  librarian  shall  be  the  custodian  of  the  prop- 
erty of  the  society,  and  shall  manage  it  according  to  the 
rules  adopted  by  the  board  of  managers. 

3.  The  board  of  managers  shall  have  charge  of  all  the 
interests  of  the  society  in  the  interim  of  the  annual 
meetings.  They  shall  meet  quarterly.  Special  meetings 
may  be  called  by  the  president.  Five  shall  constitute  a 
quorum. 

4.  The  treasurer,  librarian,  and  board  of  managers  shall 
render  reports  to  the  society  at  the  annual  meeting. 

Article  VIII. — Property. 
All  the  property  of  the  society,  except  its  funds,  shall  be 
deposited  in  a  room  or  rooms,  provided  for  the  purpose,  and 
shall  be  open  for  the  inspection  of  the  members  of  the  so- 
ciety and  others,  under  such  restrictions  and  regulations  as 
may  be  adopted  by  the  board  of  managers ;  and  in  no  case 
shall  any  article  of  any  kind  be  removed  from  the  museum 
or  depository,  except  by  order  of  the  board  of  managers, 
and  then  only  for  a  limited  time.  The  depository  shall  con- 
tain, under  the  same  restrictions  and  regulations,  for  the 
benefit  of  the  members,  a  library,  to  be  formed  as  rapidly 
as  circumstances  will  permit 

Article  IX. — Funds. 

1.  All  funds,  after  necessary  expenses  are  paid,  shall  be 
appropriated  to  the  enlargement  and  preservation  of  the 
museum  and  library. 

2.  All  bequests  of  money  made  to  the  society  shall  bo 
funded  under  the  direction  of  the  board  of  managers,  aiy' 
the  interest  thereof  used  for  ordinary  expenses. 

Article  X. — Meetings. 
The  society  shall  meet  annually  for  the  purpose  of  elect- 
ing officers  and  transacting  other  necessary  business.     Twen- 
ty-five shall  constitute  a  quorum.    The  time  of  meeting  of  the 
society  and  the  board  shall  be  determined  by  the  board. 

Article  XI. — Amendments. 
This  constitution  may  be  amended  at  any  regular  meet- 
ing by  a  two-thirds  vote  of  the  members  present,  provided 
that  the  proposed  amendment  shall  have  been  previously 
approved  by  the  board  of  managers,  and  published  in  the 
Religious  Telescope. 


PART  VI 

Boundaries 
CHAPTER  XXIX. 
Bishops'  Districts.* 
1.     East  District. 
Allegheny,     East     Pennsylvania,     East     Tennessee,     Erie, 
Florida,  Pennsylvania,  Virginia,  and  West  Virginia. 

II.     Central  District. 
East    Ohio,    Kentucky,    Miami,    Ohio   German,    Sandusky, 
Southeast  Ohio,  and  West  Tennessee. 

III.  Northwest  District. 

Indiana,   Lower  Wabash,   Michigan,   Minnesota,   Northern 
Illinois,  St.  Joseph,  White  River,  and  Wisconsin. 

IV.  Southwest  District. 

Arkansas,   Colorado,    Iowa,    Kansas,    Louisiana,    Missouri, 
Nebraska,  New  Mexico,  and  Oklahoma. 

V.     Pacific  District. 
California,  Columbia  River,  Montana,  and  Oregon. 

VI.     Foreign  District. 
China,  Japan,  Philippines,  West  Africa,  and  Porto  Rico. 


'By    order   of    the    General    Conference    each    active    bishop    is 
required  to  reside  within  the  bounds  of  his  own  district. 


CHAPTER  XXX. 

Conferences  and  Districts. 
Article  I. — Domestic  Conferences. 
The  boundaries  of  the  conferences  and  districts  shall  be  as 
follows : 

AXLEGHENY. 

1.  Beginning  at  the  southwest  corner  of  Mercer  County, 
Pennsylvania :  thence  along  the  southern  line  of  Mercer  and 
Venango  counties  to  Clarion  County ;  thence  north  along 
the  eastern  line  of  Venango  County  to  Warren  County ; 
thence  along  the  southern  line  of  Warren,  McKean,  and 
Potter  counties ;  thence  north  along  the  eastern  line  of  Pot- 
ter County  to  the  New  York  State  line;  thence  along  the 
State  line  between  New  York  and  Pennsylvania  to  the  north 
branch  of  the  Susquehanna  River ;  thence  along  the  west 
line  of  the  East  Pennsylvania  and  Pennsylvania  confer- 
ences to  the  State  of  Maryland ;  thence  along  the  south  line 
of  the  State  of  Pennsylvania  to  the  southwest  corner  of  the 
State ;  thence  along  the  State  line  to  the  place  of  beginning. 

CALIFORNIA. 

2.  California  Conference  embraces  the  State  of  Cali- 
fornia. 

COLORADO. 

3.  Colorado  Conference  includes  the  States  of  Colorado, 
Wyoming,  and  Utah. 

COLUMBIA   RIVER. 

4.  Beginning  on  the  northern  boundary  of  the  State  of 
Washington  ;  thence  south  along  the  Cascade  Mountains  to 
the  Columbia  River;  thence  up  the  Columbia  River  to  the 
mouth  of  the  John  Day  River;  thence  south  along  said  river 
to  its  source ;  thence  east  to  the  Oregon  line,  including  all 
the  territory  of  Washington  and  Oregon  east  of  the  line 
above  given,  and  also  the  State  of  Idaho. 

173 


174  DISCIPLINE 

EAST   OHIO. 

5.  Boginning  at  tlio  norllicast  corner  of  the  State  of 
Ohio ;  thence  south  along  the  State  line  and  the  Ohio  River 
to  Marietta ;  thence  up  the  Muskingum  River  to  a  point  op- 
posite the  northwest  corner  of  Noble  County,  Ohio ;  then  due 
east  to  said  northeast  corner  of  Noble  County ;  thence  north 
along  the  oast  line  of  Muskingum  and  Guernsey  counties, 
Ohio;  thence  west  along  the  north  line  of  Muskingum  and 
Licking  counties,  Ohio,  to  the  east  line  of  Delaware  County, 
Ohio ;  thence  west  from  this  point  to  Delaware,  Ohio ;  thenc«> 
north  along  the  eastern  boundary  of  Sandusky  Conference 
to  Sandusky  City,  Ohio ;  thence  eastward  along  the  north- 
ern boundary  of  the  State  of  Ohio  to  the  place  of  beginning. 

EAST  PENNSYLVANIA. 

6.  Beginning  at  the  northeast  boundary  of  the  State  of 
New  Jersey  on  the  Atlantic  Coast ;  thence  along  the  said 
boundary  line  and  the  Delaware  River  to  the  northern  bound- 
ary of  Pennsylvania ;  thence  westward  along  said  boundary 
to  the  north  branch  of  the  Susquehanna  River ;  thence  along 
said  river  to  the  junction  of  the  north  and  west  branches  of 
the  Susquehanna  River ;  thence  southward  along  the  east 
shore  of  the  Susquehanna  River  and  the  Chesapeake  Bay  to 
the  Atlantic  Ocean ;  thence  northward  along  the  Atlantic 
Coast  to  the  place  of  beginning.  Said  conference  shall  be 
the  legal  successor  of  Eastern  Conference  and  East  Penn- 
sylvania Conference.  All  rights,  interests,  bequests,  and 
obligations  of  said  conferences  shall  inhere  in  the  said  East 
Pennsylvania   Conference. 

EAST    TENNESSEE. 

7.  East  Tennessee  Conference  embraces  all  the  territory 
in  Tennessee  lying  east  of  the  Cumberland  Mountains,  and 
the  counties  of  Lea,  Scott,  and  Washington  in  the  State  of 
Virginia. 

ERIE. 

8.  Beginning  on  the  shore  of  Lake  Erie,  at  the  north- 
west corner  of  the  State  of  Pennsylvania ;  thence  south 
along  the  State  line  between  Ohio  and  Pennsylvania  to  the 
southwest  corner  of  Mercer  County,  Pennsylvania ;  thence 
east  with  the  line  as  described  in  the  bounding  of  Allegheny 
Conference  to  the  New  York  State  line,  and  including  the 
State  of  New  York  and  all  that  part  of  Pennsylvania  em- 


CU^FEUEACE.S    AiND    DiaXlUCTS  175 

braced    within    the    ahove-flescribed    limits;    provided,    that 
OrangeviUe  Circuit  be  included  in  Erie  Conference. 

FLOKIDA. 

0.  Florida  Conference  embraces  all  the  States  of  Georgia 
and  Florida. 

INDIANA. 

10.  Indiana  Conference  shall  embrace  all  the  territory  in 
Indiana  south  of  the  following  line:  Beginning  at  the  north- 
west corner  of  Sullivan  County,  thence  due  east  to  the 
west  boundary  of  Bartholomew  County ;  thence  southeast  to 
Columbus ;  thence  eastward  by  way  of  Big  Four  Railroad 
to  Greensburg,  thence  southeast  by  said  railroad  to  the 
southwest  corner  of  F'ranklin  County ;  thence  east  along 
said  county  line  to 'the  Ohio  State  line. 

Lewis  class  in  Vigo  County,  Briley  and  Middlebury  classes 
in  Clay  County,  and  Beech  in  Owen  County  are  hereby 
placed  in  Indiana  Conference,  and  Columbus  charge  is  to  be 
in  White  River  Conference. 

IOWA. 

11.  Iowa  Conference  embraces  all  of  the  State  of  Iowa. 

KANSAS. 

12.  Kansas  Conference  embraces  all  the  State  of  Kansas. 

KENTUCKY. 

13.  Kentucky  Conference  embraces  all  the  State  of  Ken- 
tucky, except  Covington  and  Newport,  which  belong  to 
Miami  Conference. 

LOUISIANA. 

14.  Louisiana  Conference  embraces  the  States  of  Louisi- 
ana, Mississippi,  and  Alabama,  excepting  that  part  contigu- 
ous to  West  Tennessee  Conference. 

LOWER   WABASH. 

15.  Beginning  at  the  mouth  of  the  Illinois  River;  thence 
up  said  river  to  the  northwest  corner  of  Green  County, 
thence  along  the  northern  lines  of  Green,  Macoupin,  and 
Montgomery  counties  to  the  northeast  corner  of  Montgomery 
County,  thence  along  a  straight  line  across  Christian  Coun- 


176  DISCIPUNE 

ty  to  the  southwest  corner  of  Macon  County,  thence  along 
the  south  and  east  lines  of  Macon  County,  thence  along  the 
west  and  north  lines  of  Piatt  County,  thence  along  the  west 
and  north  lines  of  Champaign  County,  thence  along  the  west 
and  north  lines  of  Vermillion  County  to  the  Indiana  State 
line.  Cherry  Grove  and  Dalton  City  churches  to  be  in  the 
Northern  Illinois  Conference. 

MIAMI. 

16.  Beginning  at  the  mouth  of  the  Great  Miami  River ; 
thence  north  along  the  western  boundary  of  the  State  of 
Ohio,  to  the  northwest  corner  of  Darke  County,  Ohio ;  thence 
eastward  along  the  Sandusky  Conference  line  to  Sidney, 
Ohio ;  thence  to  the  east  line  of  Champaign  County,  Ohio ; 
thence  southwest  along  the  east  line  of  the  counties  of 
Champaign,  Clarke,  and  Green  to  the  north  line  of  Clinton 
County ;  thence  west  on  the  north  line  of  Clinton  County 
to  the  northeast  corner  of  Warren  County ;  thence  south  on 
the  east  line  of  Warren  County  to  the  north  line  of  Clermont 
County ;  thence  west  on  the  north  line  of  Clermont  County 
to  the  east  line  of  Hamilton  County ;  thence  south  on  the 
east  line  of  Hamilton  County  to  the  Ohio  River ;  thence 
down  the  Ohio  River  to  the  place  of  beginning ;  provided, 
that  the  cities  of  Newport  and  Covington,  in  the  State  of 
Kentucky,  and  the  Rockdale  Church,  in  the  State  of  Indiana, 
shall  belong  to  the  Miami  Conference. 

MICHIGAN. 

17.  Michigan  Conference  eml)races  all  the  State  of 
Michigan. 

MINNESOTA. 

18.  Minnesota  Conference  embraces  all  of  the  State  of 
Minnesota. 

MISSOURI. 

19.  Missouri  (Conference  embraces  all  the  State  of  Mis- 
souri. 

MONTANA. 

20.  Montana  Conference  is  composed  of  the  entire  State 
of  Montana,  and  that  part  of  North  Dakota  which  lies  south 
and  west  of  the  Missouri  River. 


CONFERENCES    AND    DISTRICTS  14  1 

NEBRASKA. 

21.  Nebraska  Conference  includes  all  the  States  of  Ne- 
braska and  South  Dakota. 

NEW    MEXICO. 

22.  New  Mexico  Conference  embraces  all  the  State  of 
New  Mexico. 

'  NORTHERN    ILLINOIS. 

23.  Northern  Illinois  Conference  embraces  all  the  terri- 
tory of  the  State  of  Illinois  north  of  the  line  given  as  the 
northern  boundary  of  the  Lower  Wabash  Conference. 

OHIO    GERMAN. 

24.  Ohio  German  Conference  embraces  the  States  of 
Ohio,  Kentucky,  Indiana,  and  Illinois.  Permission  is  also 
granted  to  go  into  any  of  the  Western  States  or  Territories, 
where  doors  of  usefulness  may  be  open  to  labor  among  the 
German  population. 

OKLAHOMA. 

25.  Oklahoma  Conference  embraces  all  the  territory  with- 
in the  State  lines  of  Oklahoma,  and  any  organized  work  in 
Texas. 

OREGON. 

2<>.  Oregon  Conference  embraces  in  its  territory  all  the 
States  of  Oregon  and  Washington  not  occupied  by  the 
Columbia  River  Conference. 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

27.  Beginning-  at  the  mouth  of  the  .Juniata  River ;  thence 
along  said  river  westward  to  the  crest  of  the  Tuscarora 
Mountains ;  thence  southward  along  the  crest  of  said  moun- 
tains to  the  State  of  Maryland ;  thence  westward  along  tlie 
Pennsylvania  and  Maryland  State  lines  to  the  northwe^»t 
corner  of  Washington  County,  Maryland  ;  thence  southward 
along  the  western  boundary  of  said  county  to  the  Potomac 
River ;  thence  along  said  river  to  the  Chesapeake  Bay ; 
thence  eastward  along  the  coast  to  the  mouth  of  the  Susque- 
hanna River;  thence  northward  along  said  river  to  the  plate 
of  beginning. 


178  DISCIPLINE 

ST.    .TOSEPJI. 

28.  St.  Joseph  Confei'ence  embraces  all  territory  north  of 
the  following-described  line ;  Beginning  at  the  southwest 
corner  of  Warren  County  ;  thence  east  on  said  county  line 
to  the  Wabash  River ;  thence  up  said  river  to  the  Tippecanoe 
County  line ;  thence  south  to  the  Montgomery  County  line ; 
thence  east  on  said  county  line  to  Hamilton  County ;  thence 
north  to  Howard  County ;  thence  east  on  Howard  County 
line  to  Grant  County ;  thence  north  on  Grant  County 
line  to  Wabash  County ;  thence  west  and  north  on  Wabash 
County  line  to  the  Wabash  River ;  thence  along  the  Wabash 
River  to  the  Ohio  State  line.  Howard  Chapel  and  Inde- 
pendence are  to  belong  to  White  River  Conference,  It  here- 
by becomes  legal  successor  to  those  parts  of  the  divided 
Upper  Wabash  Conference  that  lie  within  these  described 
lines. 


SANDUSKY. 

29.  Beginning  at  Sandusky,  Ohio  ;  thence  south  along  the 
Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad  to  Shelby  Junction ;  thence 
south  and  west  along  the  Big  Four  Railroad  to  Delaware 
and  Marysville,  Ohio ;  thence  west  along  the  south  line  of 
Logan  County  to  Sidney,  Ohio ;  thence  west  on  a  straight 
line  to  the  northeast  corner  of  Darke  County,  Ohio ;  thence 
west  to  the  west  line  of  the  State  of  Ohio ;  thence  north 
along  the  State  line  to  the  northwest  corner  of  the  State 
line  of  Ohio :  thence  east  to  Sandusky,  Ohio,  the  place  of  be- 
ginning. Sidney,  Gallon,  Shelby,  and  Chicago.  Ohio,  to  be- 
long to  the  Sandusky  Conference,  and  Ostrander  and  Union 
to  belong  to  the  Southeast  Ohio  Conference. 

SOUTHEAST  OHIO. 

30.  Beginning  at  Delaware,  Ohio;  thence  along  the 
boundary  line  of  East  Ohio  Conference  in  a  southeasterly 
direction  to  Marietta,  Ohio ;  thence  down  the  Ohio  River 
to  the  east  line  of  Hamilton  County,  Ohio ;  thence  to  the 
northwest  corner  of  Clermont  County ;  thence  along  the 
north  line  of  Clermont  County  to  the  east  line  of  Warren 
County,  Ohio ;  thence  northward  on  the  east  line  of  the 
counties  of  Warren,  Greene,  Clarke,  and  Champaign  to  the 
south  line  of  Sandusky  Conference ;  thence  eastward  along 
said  lino  to  Delaware,  Ohio,  the  place  of  beginning. 


CONFEBEJNCES    AND    DISTRICTS  179 


VIRGINIA. 


31.  The  Virginia  Conference  embraces  the  State  of  Vir- 
ginia except  the  counties  of  Lea,  Scott  and  Washington : 
also  that  part  of  West  Virginia  lying  east  of  the  west 
boundary  lines  of  the  connties  of  Grant  and  Pendleton  of 
said  State ;  also,  Allegheny  County,  Maryland,  and  that 
part  of  Garrett  County,  Maryland,  lying  east  of  the  boun- 
dary of  West  Virginia  Conference.  (The  Swanton  and 
Bethlehem  churches  to  belong  to  West  Virginia  Conference.) 

WEST  TENNESSEE. 

32.  West  Tennessee  Conference  embraces  all  the  territory 
of  the  State  of  Tennessee  lying  west  of  the  Cumberland 
Mountains ;    also  contiguous  work  in  Alabama. 

WEST   VIRGINIA. 

33.  Beginning  with  the  summit  of  the  Allegheny  Moun- 
tains at  the  line  between  Pennsylvania  and  Maryland ; 
thence  along  the  summit  of  said  mountains  southwest  to 
the  Grant  County  line  ;  thence  along  the  west  line  of  said 
county  to  Pendleton  County ;  thence  along  the  west  line  of 
said  county  to  the  Virginia  State  line ;  thence  along  the 
State  line  to  the  Kentucky  State  line ;  thence  north  to  the 
Ohio  River;  thence  with  said  river  to  the  Pennsylvania 
State  line ;  thence  east  on  said  line  to  the  place  of  begin 
ning. 

WHITE    RIVER. 

34.  White  Kivor  Conference  cou>sists  of  all  the  territory 
in  the  State  of  Indiana  lying  between  Indiana  Conference 
and   St.   Joseph    Conference,   as   defined   under   those   heads. 

WISCONSIN. 

35.  Wisconsin  Conference  embraces  all  the  State  of  Wis- 
consin. 

Enabling  Acts. 

By  virtue  of  enabling  acts  the  General  Conference  author- 
ized the  following  changes  subject  to  the  approval  of  the 
conferences  concerned : 

1.  The  Lower  Wabash  and  the  Northern  Illinois  confer- 
ences to  form  a  State-wide  conference  to  be  known  as  the 
Illinois  Conference. 


180  DTSOIPLINE 

2.  Indiana  and  White  River  conferences  to  unite  into 
one  conference. 

o.  That  Arkansas  be  constituted  a  mission  district  when 
the  work  grows  to  three  organized  fields. 


Article  II. — Foreign   Conferences. 
CHINA. 

The  China  Foreign  Mission  Conference  embraces  the  ter« 
»itory  occupied  by  the  United  Brethren  missions  in  Southern 
China,  with  Canton  as  headquarters. 

JAPAN. 

The  Japan  Foreign  Mission  Conference  embraces  the  ter- 
ritory occupied  by  the  United  Brethren  missions  in  central 
portion  of  Japan,  with  Tokyo  as  headquarters. 

PHILIPPINES. 

The  Philippine  Foreign  Mission  Conference  embraces  the 
territory  occupied  by  the  United  Brethren  missions  in 
Union  Province  and  portions  of  adjacent  sub-provinces, 
Philippine  Islands. 

PORTO   RICO. 

The  Porto  Rico  Foreign  Mission  Conference  embraces  the 
territory  occupied  by  the  United  Brethren  Church  in  the 
Ponce  District,  Porto  Rico. 

WEST    AFRICA. 

The  West  Africa  Foreign  Mission  Conference  embraces 
the  territory  occupied  by  the  United  Brethren  missions  in 
Siena  Leone,  West  Africa. 


PART  VII 
Formulas  and  Forms 

CHAPTER  XXXI. 

Formulas. 
Section  I. 

RECEPTION    OF    MEMBERS. 

When  at  ahp  meeting  there  are  persons  irho  desire  to  unite 
with   the   Church,   the   officiating   minister   shall   call   th( 
applicants  forward  and  address  them  as  follows: 
Dear  Friends  :     Inasmuch  as  you  present  yourselves  fo) 
admission  into  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ 
we  rejoice  with  you  that  through  the  grace  of  God  you  hav« 
been  brought   to  a  knowledge  of  the  truth   and   have   beei 
made  partakers  of  his  great  salvation.     The  privileges  yoi 
seek   are  above   price,   and   the  duties   enjoined   are   solemn. 
It  is  proper  that  you  publicly  confess  your  faith  and  avov 
your  purpose  by  answering  the  following  questions : 
Questions  to  applicants: 

( 1 )  Do  you  believe  the  Bible  to  be  the  Word  of  God,  and 
that  therein  only  is  contained  the  knowledge  of  the  way  oi 
salvation?     If  so.  answer,  "I  do." 

(2)  Do  you  believe  that  Jesus  Christ  is  the  Son  of  God 
ami  do  you  accept  him  as  your  personal  Savior?  If  so,  an- 
swer, **I  do." 

(3)  Are  you  determined  by  the  grace  of  God  to  follow 
Christ,  renouncing  the  world  and  all  ungodliness,  seeking  to 
lead  a  life  of  holiness  and  devotion  to  God  and  his  cause? 
If  so,  answer,  *'I  am." 

(4)  Are  you  willing  to  be  governed  by  our  Church  Dis- 
cipline?    If  so,  answer,  "I  am." 

(5)  Will  you  contribute  to  the  support  of  the  gospel 
as  God  prospers  you?    If  so,  answer,  "I  will." 

(G)      Have  you  been  baptized? 

[If  the  answer  to  this  question  be  in  the  negative,  then 
the  applicant  shall  be  instructed  to  attend  to  the  duty  as 
soon  as  practicable.] 

If  the  persons  answer  the  above  questions  in  the  aflBrma- 
tive,  and  no  lawful  objections  be  made  by  any  member,  then 

181 


182  DISCIPLIN] 

the  preacher  shall  give  his  right  hand  to  such  persons  as 
members  of  our  Church.  Then  the  members  of  the  Church 
will  stand,  and  the  minister  will  repeat  the  following  cove- 
nant : 

"Do  you,  the  members  of  the  Church  of  the  United  Breth- 
ren in  Christ,  enter  into  a  covenant  with  this  applicant  [or 
these  applicants]  for  membership,  and  promise  to  watch 
over,  instruct,  counsel,  and  cherish  him  [or  her  or  them] 
with  all  long-suffering,  gentleness,  and  love?" 

The  members  will  then  answer,  "By  the  grace  of  God  we 
will."  The  hand  of  fellowship  may  be  extended  by  the  mem- 
.bers.  The  preacher  shall  then  register  the  names  of  the 
accepted  members  in  the  Church  record. 

Section  II. 

BAPTISM   OF   ADULTS. 

Our  Lord  commanded  his  apostles,  saying,  "Go  ye  there- 
fore and  teach  all  nations,  baptizing  them  in  the  name  of 
the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Spirit"  (Matt. 
28:19).  On  the  day  of  Pentecost,  the  multitude,  under 
the  preaching  of  the  word,  "were  pricked  in  the  heart,  and 
said  unto  Peter  and  to  the  rest  of  the  apostles,  Men  and 
brethren,  what  shall  we  do?  Then  Peter  said  unto  them. 
Repent,  and  be  baptized  every  one  of  you  in  the  name  of 
Jesus  Christ  for  the  remission  of  sins,  and  ye  shall  receive 
the  gift  of  the  Holy  Spirit"   (Acts  2:37,  38). 

"Then  they  that  gladly  received  his  word  were  baptized  : 
and  the  same  day  there  were  added  unto  them  about  three 
thousand  souls"    (Acts  2:41). 

Philip,  the  evangelist,  went  down  to  the  city  of  Samaria, 
and  preached  Christ  to  the  people.  And  "when  they  believed 
Philip  preaching  the  things  concerning  the  kingdom  of  God, 
and  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ,  they  were  baptized,  both  men 
and  women"    (Acts  8:12). 

Dearly  beloved,  it  has  pleased  God,  in  his  infinite  mercy, 
to  awaken  you  to  a  sense  of  your  guilt  and  danger,  and  to 
lead  you,  as  we  humbly  trust,  to  repentance  and  faith  in  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.  By  presenting  yourself  for  this  holy 
sacrament,  you  declare  your  purpose  to  lead  a  new  life,  and 
to  seek  an  inheritance  with  the  righteous  in  the  "house  not 
made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens." 

Do  you  now  solemnly  consecrate  yourself  to  Christ  and 
his  service ;  and  will  you  endeavor  henceforth  to  keep  God's 


FORMULAS  iSo 

holy  coniniandments  and  to  walk  in  the  same  all  the  days 
of  your  life?  If  so,  answer,  "I  will  endeavor  so  to  do.  the 
liOrd  being  my  helper." 

The  minister  shall  then  baptize  the  candidate,  the  service  to 
be  concluded  with  a  short  prayer  and  benediction. 


Section  III. 

BAPTISM   OF    CHILDREN". 

"And  they  brought  young  children  to  him,  that  he  should 
touch  them :  and  his  disciples  rebuked  those  that  brought 
them.  But  when  Jesus  saw  it,  he  was  much  displeased 
and  said  unto  them,  Suffer  the  little  children  to  come  unto 
me.  and  forbid  them  not :  for  of  such  is  the  kingdom  of 
God.  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  whosoever  shall  not  receive 
the  kingdom  of  God  as  a  little  child,  he  shall  not  enter 
therein.  And  he  took  them  up  in  his  arms,  put  his  hands 
upon  them,  and  blessed   them"    (Mark  10:13-16). 

In  presenting  this  child  for  baptism,  you  not  only  signify 
your  faith  in  the  Christian  religion,  of  which  baptism  is 
an  ordinance,  but  also  your  desire  that  he  [or  she]  may 
early  know  and  follow  the  will  of  God,  may  live  and  die 
a  Christian,  and  attain  unto  everlasting  life. 

In  order  to  do  this,  it  will  be  your  duty,  as  parents  [or 
guardians]  to  teach  him  [or  her]  early  the  fear  of  the 
Ijord ;  to  watch  over  his  [or  her]  education,  that  he  [or 
she]  be  not  led  astray ;  to  direct  his  [or  her]  youthful  mind 
to  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  his  [or  her]  feet  to  the  sanctu- 
ary; to  restrain  him  [or  her]  from  evil  associates  and 
habits;  and,  as  much  as  in  .you  lies,  to  bring  him  [or  her] 
up  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord. 

Will  you  endeavor  so  to  do,  by  the  help  of  God?     If  so. 
answer,  "I  will." 
The  minister  shall  then  baptize  the  child,  repeating  the  full 

name  of  the  same,  saying: 

I  baptize  thee  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son, 
and  of  the  Holy  Spirit.     Amen. 
All  to  be  followed  by  a  short  prayer  by  the  minister. 

Section  IV. 

HOLY  COMMUNION. 

"He  is  despised  and  rejected  of  ipen  ;  a  man  of  sorrows, 
and  acquainted  with  grief :  and  we  hid  as  it  were  our  faces 


184  DTSCTPIJNE 

from  him  ;  he  was  despised,  and  we  esteemed  him  not.  Sure- 
ly he  hath  borne  our  griefs,  and  carried  our  sorrows :  vet 
we  did  esteem  him  stricken,  smitten  of  God.  and  afflicted. 
But  he  was  wounded  for  our  transgressions,  he  was  bruised 
for  our  iniquities :  the  chastisement  of  our  peace  was  upon 
him;  and  with  his  stripes  we  are  healed"    (Isa.  53:3-5). 

"And  when  the  hour  was  come,  he  sat  down  and  the 
twelve  apostles  with  him.  And  he  said  unto  them,  With 
desire  I  have  desired  to  eat  this  passover  with  you  before 
I  suffer :  for  I  say  unto  you,  I  will  not  any  more  eat  thereof, 
until  it  be  fulfilled  in  the  kingdom  of  God.  And  he  took  the 
cup,  and  gave  thanks,  and  said,  Take  this,  and  divide  it 
among  yourselves :  for  I  say  unto  you,  I  will  not  drink  of 
the  fruit  of  the  vine,  until  the  kingdom  of  God  shall  come. 
And  he  took  bread,  and  gave  thanks,  and  brake  it,  and  gave 
unto  them,  saying,  This  is  my  body  which  is  given  for  you  : 
this  do  in  remembrance  of  me.  Likewise  also  the  cup  after 
supper,  saying.  This  cup  is  the  new  testament  in  my  blood, 
which  is  shed  for  you"    (Luke  22:14-20). 

"For  I  have  received  of  the  Lord  that  which  also  I  de- 
livered unto  you,  that  the  Lord  Jesus  the  same  night  in 
which  he  was  betrayed  took  bread :  and  when  he  had  given 
thanks,  he  brake  it,  and  said.  Take,  eat :  this  is  my  body, 
which  is  broken  for  you :  this  do  in  remembrance  of  me. 
After  the  same  manner  also  he  took  the  cup,  when  he  had 
supped,  saying.  This  cup  is  the  new  testament  in  my 
blood  :  this  do  ye,  as  oft  as  ye  drink  it,  in  remembrance  of 
me.  For  as  often  as  ye  eat  this  bread,  and  drink  this  cup, 
ye  do  shew  the  Lord's  death  till  he  come"  (I.  Cor  11  : 
23-26). 

As  many  of  you  as  truly  love  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  are 
now  invited  humbly  to  receive  these  elements  in  memory  of 
the  suffering  and  death  of  your  Lord  and  Savior. 

Singing. 

Prayer. 

Administration  of  the  elements. 

Section  V. 

Ordination  of  Elders. 

On  the  day  appointed  for  ordination  services  a  suitable 
sermon  shall  be  preached,  whenever  practicable.  The  offi- 
ciating bishop  (or  elder,  in  the  absent-e  of  a  bishop)  shall 
call,  if  they  l)o  present,  one  or  more  eldei's  to  assist  him  in 
the  ceremonies  of  ordination. 


FORMULAS  185 

After  the  names  of  the  candidates  have  ieen  read  aloud, 
the  hishop  (or  elder)  shall  address  them  as  follows: 
An  elder  "must  be  blameless,  as  the  steward  of  God ;  not 
selfwilled,  not  soon  angry,  not  given  to  wine,  no  striker, 
not  given  to  filthy  lucre ;  but  a  lover  of  hospitality,  a  lover 
of  good  men,  sober,  just,  holy,  temperate ;  holding  fast  the 
faithful  word  as  he  hath  been  taught,  that  he  may  be  able 
by  sound  doctrine  both  to  exhort  and  to  convince  the  gain- 
say ers"   (Tit.  1:  7-9). 

Are  you  assured  that  you  are  inwardly  moved  by  the 
Holy  Ghost  to  take  upon  you  the  office  of  the  ministry  to 
serve  God  in  the  church  of  Christ  to  the  honor  and  glory  of 
his  holy  name?     If  so,  answer,  "I  am,  as  I  truly  believe." 

Do  you  believe  the  Holy  Scriptures,  Old  and  New  Tes- 
taments?    If  so,  answer,  "I  do  believe  them." 

Will  you  apply  due  diligence  to  frame  and  fashion  your 
life  according  to  the  doctrines  of  Christ,  and  to  make  your- 
self, as  much  as  in  you  lies,  a  wholesome  example  to  the 
flock  of  Christ?  If  so,  answer,  "I  will,  the  Lord  being  my 
helper." 

Will  you  loyally  maintain  the  doctrines  and  polity  of  the 
Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  and  devote  your- 
self with  all  possible  zeal  and  faithfulness  to  the  extension 
of  the  Master's  kingdom  in  whatever  field  you  may  be  as- 
signed from  time  to  time  in  the  ministerial  service?  If  so, 
answer,  "I  will  endeavor,  through  the  grace  of  God,  to  do 
so." 

Praijer  In/  the  offioiatinp  hishop. 

After  the  prayer  the  hishop  and  elders  shall  lay  their  ha}ids 

upon  the  heads  of  each  of  them,  and  the  hishop  shall  say: 

Take    thou    authority    to    execute    the    office    of    an    elder 

in   the  church  of  God,  in  the  name  of  the   Blather,   and  of 

the  Son,   and  of  the  Holy   Spirit.     Amen. 

Hereupon  the  hishop  {or  elder)  shall  deliver  to  each  of  them 

the  Holy  Hihle,  saying  : 

Take  thou  authority  to  preach  the  Word  of  God,  and   to 
administer  the  ordinances  in   the  church  of  Christ. 
I'rayer  hy  the  Jiishop  or  one  of  the  elders. 
After  the  prayer  the  hishop  shall  read  Luke  12:35-38. 

"Let  your  loins  be  girded  about,  and  your  lights  burn- 
ing ;  and  ye  yourselves  like  unto  men  that  wait  for  their 
lord,  when  he  will  return  from  the  wedding ;  that  when  he 
Cometh  and  knocketh,  they  may  open  unto  him  immediately. 
Blessed  are  those  servants  whom  the  lord   when   he  cometh 


186  DISCIPLINE. 

shall  find  watching ;  verily  I  say  unto  j'ou,  that  he  shall 
gird  himself,  and  make  them  to  sit  down  to  meat,  and  will 
come  forth  and  serve  them.  And  if  he  shall  come  in  the 
second  watch,  or  come  in  the  third  watch,  and  find  them 
>o,  blessed  are  those  servants." 
'J  he  following  benediction  is  to  he  pronounced: 

The  peace  of  God  keep  your  hearts  and  minds  in  the 
knowledge  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Section  VI. 

HOME     MISSION     CONSECRATION      SERVICE. 

Dearly  Beloved  :     You  have  been  appointed  as  mission- 

iry    to   and    are    commissioned    to   carry    the 

"iread  of  eternal  life  to  souls  who  will  perish  without  it. 

Listen  to  the  Word  of  the  Lord :  "And  it  shall  come  to 
pass,  that  whosoever  shall  call  on  the  name  of  the  Lord 
shall  be  saved"  (Acts  2:21).  "How  then  shall  they  call 
on  him  in  w'hom  they  have  not  believed?  and  how  shall  they 
believe  in  him  of  whom  they  have  not  heard?  and  how  shall 
they  hear  without  a  preacher?  and  how  shall  they  preach 
except  they  be  sent?"    (Rom.  10:  14.  IT)). 

The  Home  Missionary  Society,  under  divine  direction  as 
we  believe,  is  about  to  send  you  out  to  preach  the  living  Word 
to  perishing  souls. 

Question.  Have  you  a  deep,  abiding  love  for  souls,  and  an 
absorbing  interest  in  their  salvation?  and  have  you  felt  es- 
pecially called  of  God  to  this  work?  If  so.  answer,  "I  have, 
as  I  truly  believe." 

God's  Word  says:  "But  arise  and  stand  up  on  thy  feet: 
for  1  have  appeavt^d  unto  thee  for  this  purpose,  to  make  thee 
a  minister  and  a  wntness  both  of  these  things  which  thou 
hast  seen,  and  of  those  things  in  the  which  I  will  appear 
unto  thee"  (Acts  26:16).  "Ye  shall  be  witnesses  unto 
me  both  in  Jerusalem,  and  in  all  .Tudea,  and  in  Samaria, 
and  unto  the  uttennost  part  of  the  earth"  (Acts  1:8). 
"To  open  their  eyes,  and  to  turn  them  from  darkness  to  light, 
and  from  the  power  of  Satan  unto  God,  that  they  may  re- 
ceive forgiveness  of  sins,  and  inheritance  among  them  w^hich 
are  sanctified  by  faith  that  is  in  me"   (Acts  26:  18). 

Question.  Are  you  willing  to  work  under  the  direction  of 
the  Home  Missionary  Society  of  the  United  Brethren  in 
Christ,  devoting  your  time  and  energy  to  the  work  to  wdiich 
you  are  appointed?  If  so,  answer,  "I  am,  the  Lord  being 
Miy   hoi])('r." 


FORMULAS  187 

It  is  God's  will  "that  repentance  and  ■  remission  of  sins 
should  be  preached  in  his  name  among  all  nations,  beginning 
at  Jerusalem.  And  ye  are  witnesses  of  these  things"  (Luke 
24:47,    48). 

Question.  Do  you  then  publicly  dt^licate  yourself  to  this 
work  of  God?     If  so,  answer,  "I  do." 

*'Lo.  I  am  with  you  always,  even  unto  the  end  of  the 
world." 

PROVISIONAL    PROGRAM. 

(To  be  used  in  connection  with  above  service.) 

1.  Song. 

2.  Scripture.     II.  Timothy  4  :  1-8. 

3.  Song. 

4.  Explanatory   Remarks. 

5.  Remarks   by   Candidates. 

6.  Song. 

7.  Charge  to  Candidates. 

8.  Reading  of  Consecration    Service. 

9.  Consecratory  Prayer. 

10.  Song. 

11.  Benediction. 

Section  VII. 

foreign  mission  consecration  service. 

I'hc  representative  of  the  Foreign  Mission  Board  shall  then 

address  the  candidates  as  folloics  : 

*'And  Jesus  came  and  spake  unto  them,  saying,  All  power 
is  given  unto  me  in  heaven  and  in  earth.  Go  ye  therefore, 
and  teach  all  nations,  baptizing  them  in  the  name  of  the 
Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost;  teaching 
them  to  observe  all  things  whatsoever  I  have  commanded 
you :  and,  lo,  I  am  with  you  alway,  even  unto  the  end  of 
the   world"    (Matt.   28:18-20). 

You  have  listened  to  the  command  which  Christ  gave  to 
his  first  disciples  and  which  constitutes  his  church  a  mis- 
sionary church  in  all  ages.  You  believe  that  this  command 
applies  to  all  followers  of  Christ  to-day,  and  that  it  is  in- 
cumbent upon  them,  in  so  far  as  may  be  possible,  to  devote 
their  lives  to  the  extension  of  his  kingdom  in  the  earth. 
Earnestly  seeking  to  obey  this  command,  you  are  convinced 
that  it  is  your  duty  and  privilege  to  engage  in  the  service  of 
Christ  in  a  foreign  land.  You  have  heard  the  call  of  God 
sounding   in   the   dci>ths   of  your   owu   .^oul,   siiumiouiug  you 


188  DISCIPLINE 

to  this  high  endeavor.  You  have  found  this  call  confirmed 
by  the  circumstances  of  your  life  and  the  judgment  of  the 
board  of  Foreign  Missions.  In  recognition  of  these  facts, 
and  following,  as  wo  believe,  the  lea-dershij)  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  we  desire  to  set  you  apart  to  the  work  of  a  foreign 
missionary,  to  witness  for  Christ  in  non-Christian  lands,  and 
to  bestow  upon  you  the  commission  of  the  Foreign  Mission- 
ary Society. 

Question.  Have  you  a  deep  love  for  souls,  and  a  strong 
passion  for  their  salvation,  and  have  you  felt  especially 
called  of  (iod  to  missionary  workV  If  so,  answer,  "I  have, 
as  I  truly  believe." 

Question.  Do  you  give  yourself  unreservedly  to  the  work 
of  Christ  in  the  land  to  which  you  have  been  assigned,  in 
humble  reliance  upon  divine  help,  and  do  you  make  it  the 
purpose  of  your  life  to  walk  with  Christ  as  his  missionary, 
faithful  in  word  and  deed,  and  in  hearty  co-operation  with 
your  fellow-workers,  under  the  direction  of  this  board?  If 
so,  answer,  "I  do." 

I,  then,  by  virtue  of  the  authority  bestowed  upon  me  by 
the  Foreign  Missionary  Society  of  the  United  Brethren  in 
Christ,  present  you  with  this  commission  : 

The  Foreign  Missionary  Society  of  the 
United  Brethren  in  Christ. 

Dayton  Ohio,  U.  S.  A. 
To  All  to   Whom   This  Hhall  Come,   Christian   Greetings. 

This   certifies    that 

is  appointed  a  missionary  of  the  gospel  of  Jesus  Christ,  our 

Lord,  to   ,  under  the  direction 

and  regulations  of  the  Foreign  Missionary  Society  of  the 
United  Brethren  in  Christ,  and  is  entitled  to  all  the  rights 
and  privileges  attaching  to  that  office. 

Given   this day  of ,   19.  . . . 


President  of  Board. 

Chairman   of   Executive   Committee. 

General  Secretary. 


"Go  ye  into  all  the  world  and  preach  the  gospel  to  every 
creature." 


FORMULAS  189 


PROVISIONAL    PROGRAM. 

(To  be  used  in  connection  with  above  service.) 

1.  Song. 

2.  Scripture  lesson.  Romans  10:12-15;  Acts  26:16-20. 
and  13 :  47-49. 

3.  Prayer. 

4.  Song. 

5.  Introductory  Words. 

6.  Remarks  by  the  Candidates. 

7.  Song. 

8.  Charge  to  the  Candidates. 
0.     Consecration  Service. 

10.  Prayer  of  Consecration. 

11.  Song. 

12.  Benediction. 

Section  VIII. 

CONSECRATION  OF  A  DEACONESS. 

After  a  suitable  introductory  service  has  been  held,  the 
officiating  bishop  (or  elder,  in  the  absence  of  the  bishop) 
may  call  other  elders,  if  they  be  present,  to  assist  in  the 
consecration  service. 

To   he  read   hi/  the  officiating   hishop  : 

In  response  to  the  will  of  God,  who  called  Phoebe  and 
Dorcas  into  the  services  of  the  church,  you  present  yourself 
for  ordination  to  the  office  of  deaconess  in  the  Church  of 
the  United  Brethren  in  C!hrist.  The  work  of  a  deaconess  is 
a  high  and  holy  calling,  requiring  unselfish  and  sacrificial 
labor.  Like  our  gracious  Master,  you  are  to  go  about  doing 
good,  ministering  to  the  wants  of  a  suffering,  sorrowing,  and 
sin-laden  world.  You  are  to  minister  to  the  poor,  visit  the 
sick,  pray  with  the  dying,  care  for  the  orphan,  seek  the  wan- 
dering, comfort  the  sorrowing,  and  save  the  sinning.  Such 
service  confers  a  high  honor,  but  also  lays  upon  you  a  great 
responsibility.  The  church  now  solemnly  sets  you  apart  for 
this  special  service. 

77/e  folloir'uifj  queations  should  he  asJced : 

Do  you  believe  that  you  have  been  led  by  the  Holy  Spirit 
to  assume  the  duties  of  a  deaconess  in  the  church?  If  so, 
answer,  "I  do." 

Do  you,  in  the  presence  of  CJod  and  of  this  congregation, 
promise  faithfully  to  jierform  the  duties  of  a  deaconess?  If 
so,  answer,  "I  do." 


190  DISCIPLINE 

Do  you  fully  accept  the  Holy  Scriptures  as  the  Word  of 
(rod?     If  so,  answer,  "I  do." 

Will  you  accept  the  direction  of  those  whom  the  Church 
may  set  over  you  in  the  prosecution  of  your  work?  If  so, 
answer,   "I  will." 

Prayer  of  consecration,  the  candidate  kneeJinf/. 
Aftei'  the  prayer,  the  consecrator  shall  place  his  right  hand 
on  the  head  of  the  candidate  and  shall  say: 

Take  thou  authority  to  perform  the  duties  of  a  deaconess 
in  the  church  of  God,  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the 
Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Spirit.    Amen. 
Delivery  of  certificate,  deaconess  standing. 
Song,  "Tal-e  my  life  and  let  it  &e,"  or  other  suiiahlc  song. 
Benedictory  prayer. 

Section  IX. 

LAYING    CORNER-STONE. 

The  follouing  order  of  service  may  he  observed: 

1.  Singing. 

2.  Reading  of  Scripture.      (Ps.  132;   I.  Cor.  3:8-23.) 

3.  Prayer. 

4.  Singing. 

5.  Sermon  or  address. 

6.  Collection. 

7.  Laying  of  stone. 

The  minister,  standing  hy  the  stone,  shall  exhihit  the  box  to 
be  deposited,  and  read  the  list  of  contents.  Then  the 
minister,  assisted  by  the  builder,  shall  deposit  the  box  and 
adjust  the  stone  to  its  resting  place.  This  done  the  offi- 
ciating minister  shall  say : 

Beloved  :  In  ancient  time  God  commanded  his  servant 
Moses  to  set  up  the  tabernacle  in  the  wilderness,  and  be- 
stowed his  blessing  upon  Solomon,  the  king,  in  erecting  the 
temple  in  Jerusalem,  whither  the  tribes  came  up  to  worship. 
In  like  manner  he  has  moved  your  hearts  to  erect  a  sanctu- 
ary, where,  in  years  to  come,  his  people  may  assemble  for 
prayer  and  praise.  As  this  corner-stone  is  placed  in  position, 
the  stone  upon  which  this  temple  shall  rest,  may  our  own 
lives  be  built  more  securely  upon  Jesus  Christ,  the  chief 
corner-stone. 

In  repeating  the  following  sentence  the  minister  shall  strike 
the  stone  after  the  tvords  ''Father,'^  "*S^on,"  and  ^'Holy 
Spirit,^"  the  trustees  and  otJicr  church  officials  responding 


FORMULAS  191 

"J.«ieH"  after  every  stroke.  Trustees  and  officials  shall 
join  the  minister  in  the  final  ^"Anien  and  Amen.'' 
In  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  we  lay  this  corner-stone  in  the  foundation  of 
a  house  to  be  erected  and  dedicated  for  the  worship  of  God, 
wherein  his  word  shall  be  preached  and  his  worship  main- 
tained.    Amen  and  Amen. 

8.  Doxology. 

9.  Benediction  hy  the  pastor. 

Section  X. 

CHURCH    DEDICATION. 

The  following  order  of  service  may  he  used: 

1.  Scripture  Reading.     (Ps.  84;  or,  Isa.  62  and  Ps.  122.) 

2.  Singing. 
S.  Prayer. 
If.  Singing. 

5.  Sermon. 

6.  Offering. 

7.  Singing. 

8.  Scripture  reading,  with  congregation  standing. 

"But  will  God  indeed  dwell  on  the  earth?  behold,  the 
heaven,  and  heaven  of  heavens,  cannot  contain  thee ;  how 
much  less  this  house  that  I  have  builded?  Yet  have  thou 
respect  unto  the  prayer  of  thy  servant,  and  to  his  supplica- 
tion, O  Lord  my  God,  to  hearken  unto  the  cry  and  unto  the 
prayer  which  thy  servant  prayeth  before  thee  to-day  :  that 
thine  eyes  may  be  opened  toward  this  house  night  and  day, 
even  toward  the  place  of  which  thou  hast  said,  My  name 
shall  be  there :  that  thou  mayest  hearken  unto  the  prayer 
which  thy  servant  shall  make  toward  this  place.  And 
hearken  thou  to  the  supplication  of  thy  servant,  and  of  thy 
people  Israel,  when  they  shall  pray  toward  this  place  :  and 
hear  thou  in  heaven  thy  dwelling  place :  and  when  thou 
hearest,  forgive." 

"For  the  Lord  hath  chosen  Zion  ;  he  hath  desired  it  for 
his  habitation.  This  is  my  rest  forever :  here  will  I  dwell ; 
for  I  have  desired  it.  I  will  abundantly  bless  her  provision ; 
I  will  satisfy  her  poor  with  bread.  I  will  also  clothe  her 
priests  with  salvation :  and  her  saints  shall  shout  aloud 
for  joy"   (Ps.  132:13-16). 

"Now,  my  God,  let,  I  beseech  thee,  thine  eyes  be  open, 
and  let  thine  ears  be  attent  unto  the  prayer  that  is  made 
in  this  place.     Now  therefore  arise,  O  Lord  God,  into  thy 


192  niSOTPLTNE 

resting  place,  thou,  and  the  ark  of  thy  strength :  let  thy 
priests,  O  Lord  God,  be  clothed  with  salvation,  and  let  thy 
saints  rejoice  in  goodness"   (II.  Ohr.  G :  40,  41). 

"Blessed  be  the  Lord  God  of  Israel  from  everlasting  to 
everlasting:  and  let  all  the  people  say,  Amen.  Praise  ye 
the  Lord"    (Ps.  106:48). 

Address  to  the  trustees  at  the  dedication  of  a  church, 
the  trustees  standing  in  front  of  the  altar. 

Brethren  :  You  have  been  selected  by  the  church  to  hold 
the  honorable  and  responsible  place  of  trustees  of  this  house 
of  worship,  to  he  dedicated  to  the  service  of  Almighty  God. 
In  this  office  you  represent  the  church,  and  will  act  on  its 
behalf  and  for  its  welfare,  but  in  no  sense  forget  the  in- 
terests of  the  community  which  are  identified  with  the  house 
of  God. 

The  house  of  God  is  sacred ;  it  is  God's  holy  temple,  where 
he  is  to  be  worshiped  in  the  beauty  of  holiness  and  love ; 
therefore,  do  nothing  in  vainglory,  but  by  love  serve  one 
another.  Nothing  should  enter  this  sacred  place  that  will 
defile  the  temple  of  God ;  but  at  the  same  time  let  it  ever 
be  remembered  that  all  works  of  justice,  of  mercy,  of  love, 
of  helpfulness  of  whatsoever  kind  are  Drouer  in  the  house 
of  God. 

By  your  official  relation  you  are  vitally  interested  in  this 
temi>le.  Protect  it  at  all  times ;  preserve  it  for  constant 
service ;  improve  it  as  needs  arise.  As  assistants  of  the 
pastor,  help  him  to  make  this  a  holy  place.  As  representa- 
tives of  the  church  in  the  community,  win  men  to  it,  and 
through  it  to  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

In  the  name  of  the  Holy  Trinity  I  now  give  this  key  to 
the  president  of  the  board  as  the  symbol  of  your  authority, 
lo  hold  this  property  in  trust  for  God  and  the  Church  of 
the  United  Brethren  in  Christ.  I  pray  that  Christian  faith 
and  hope  and  love  may  dwell  in  your  hearts,  and  that  the 
Holy  Spirit  may  be  your  guide  and  comforter. 

10.     Dedicatory  Prayer. 

And  now,  Lord  God  of  our  fathers,  we  give  this  house  to 
thee.  As  thy  people  have  builded  it  for  thy  worship  and 
glory,  we  pray  that  thou  wilt  accept  it  in  the  name  of  thy 
Son  our  Savior,  and  manifest  thyself  approvingly  to  all  who 
have  given  to  this  work  a  sincere  desire  to  honor  thee 
and  to  save  men.  As  thou  didst  dwell  in  the  temple  at 
Jerusalem,  so  make  this  thy  resting  place.  Show  forth  thy 
power  and  glory  here  from  time  to  time  in  the  salvation  of 


sinners,  and  in  the  edification  of  thy  people.  When  thy 
servants  preach  the  word  in  this  house,  be  thou  in  them, 
and  accompany  the  truth  by  thy  Holy  Spirit,  to  the  heart?- 
of  all  who  shall  hear.  And  when  thy  people  meet  in  this 
l»lace  for  prayer  and  praise,  reveal  thyself  .graciously  to  their 
faith,  and  vouchsafe  unto  them  the  joys  of  thy  great  salva- 
tion. Preserve  this  house,  we  beseech  thee,  from  fire  and 
storm,  and  make  it  a  very  great  blessing  to  as  many  as  shall 
worship  before  thine  altar.  May  the  people  remember  that 
this  is  thy  house — the  place  where  thy  honor  dwelleth — and 
approach  it  with  reverence  and  gladness.  And  not  only 
accept  this  house,  but  accept  also  our  hearts  as  we  dedicate 
them  anew  to  thee.  Cleanse  them  and  make  them  fit  temples 
for  the  indwelling  of  thy  Spirit.  Accept,  we  pray  thee,  all 
we  bring  in  this  hour  of  consecration,  sealing  it  with  thine 
own  approval.  And  at  last  gather  us  all  into  that  eternal 
temple  not  made  with  hands,  and  thj-^  name,  O  God  the 
Father  ["J.j??e»,''  responded  by  trustees],  and  thy  name,  O 
Christ  the  Son  ["Amen,"  responded  by  trustees,]  and  thy 
name,  O  Holy  Spirit  [''A^nen,"  responded  hy  trustees],  shall 
have  all  the  praise  evermore.  Amen  and  Amen  [repeated 
together  hy  officiating  minister  and  trustees].  Let  all  the 
people  say.  Amen  ["A/ne;.,"'  responded  hy  the  people]. 

11.  Doxology. 

12.  Benediction  hy  the  pastor. 


Section  XI. 
Parsonage  Dedication. 
The  following  order  of  service  may   he   used: 

1.  Scripture   Reading. 

2.  Singing. 
S.  Prayer. 
Jj.     Singing. 

5.  Sermon. 

6.  Offering. 

7.  Singing. 

S.     Scripture  reading  tvith  congregation  standing. 

It  pleased  God  in  ancient  times  when  he  gave  his  chosen 
people  a  sanctuary  modeled  and  dedicated  after  his  own 
counsel,  to  provide  a  ministry  of  service  that  the  fires 
might  be  kept  burning  and  that  his  name  might  be  honored 
throughout  the  generations. 


194  DISCIPLINE 

(tO(1  also  sot  apart  a  certain  tribe  and  a  certain  family, 
distinctly  chosen  to  perpetuate  in  purity  the  service  of  his 
sanctuary. 

This  tribe  and  family  were  provided  with  material  sup- 
port and  homes  were  set  apart  for  them. 

Our  Savior  also  provided  a  ministry  to  perpetuate  his 
word  and  fill  the  world  with  the  gospel  of  the  kingdom. 
He  likewise  made  provision  for  their  support  saying :  "They 
which  preach  the  gospel  should  live  of  the  gospel."  In  ac- 
cordance with  this  provision  our  parsonages  are  dedicated 
to  God  as  property  of  the  Church,  thus  providing  homes  for 
those  who  proclaim  the  will  of  God  to  the  people  and  preach 
the  gospel  of  salvation  to  the  multitudes. 

This  house  has  been  built  by  the  offerings  of  the  people, 
and  we  now  bring  it  as  an  offering  unto  God.  in  the  name  of 
the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  IToly  Spirit. 

.9.     Address  to  the  trustees. 

Brethren  :  You  have  been  selected  by  the  church  to  hold 
the  honorable  and  responsible  place  of  trustees  of  this 
house,  to  be  dedicated  to  the  service  of  Almiglity  God.  In 
this  office  you  represent  the  church,  and  will  act  on  its 
behalf  and  for  its  welfare,  but  in  no  sense  forget  the  inter- 
ests of  the  community  which  are  identified  with  this  house. 

It  is  your  duty  to  jn-otect,  preseiwe,  and  repair  this  build- 
ing,    and  improve  these  gi'ounds  as  occasion  may  arise. 

In  the  name  of  the  Holy  Trinity  I  now  give  this  key  to 
the  president  of  the  board  as  the  symbol  of  your  authority, 
to  hold  this  property  in  trust  for  God  and  for  the  Church 
of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ.  I  pray  that  Christian 
faith  and  hope  and  love  may  dwell  in  your  hearts,  and  that 
the  Holy  Spirit  may  be  your  guide  and  comforter. 

10.     Dedicatory  prayer. 

And  now,  Lord  (Jod  of  our  Fathers,  we  give  this  house  to 
thee.  As  thy  people  have  builded  it  to  thy  glory,  we  pray 
that  thou  wilt  accept  it  in  the  name  of  thy  Son,  our  Sav- 
ior, and  manifest  thyself  approvingly  to  all  that  have  given 
to  this  work  with  a  sincere  desire  to  honor  thee.  Show 
forth  thy  power  and"  glory  in  the  salvation  of  souls  and 
in  the  edification  of  thy  people.  When  thy  servants  preach 
the  word  be  tliou  in  them,  and  accompany  the  truth  by  thy 
Holy  Spirit  to  the  hearts  of  all  that  shall  hear.  Preserve 
this  house,  we  beseech  thee,  from  fii-e  and  storm,  and  make 
it  a  very  great  blessing.  And  not  only  accept  this  house 
but  accept  also  our  hearts  as  we  dedicate  them  anew  to  thee. 
Cleanse  them  and  make  them  fit  temples  for  the  indwelling 
of  thy   Spirit.     Accept,  we  pray  thee,  all   we  bring  in   this 


l-'ORMULAS  195 

hour  of  consecration,  sealing  it  with  thine  own  approval. 
And  at  last  gather  gs  all  into  that  eternal  temple  not  made 
with  hands,  and  thy  name.  O  God  the  Father  [''Amen,''  re- 
sponded hy  trustees],  and  thj^  name.  O  Christ  the  Son 
\'\imeri,"  responded  hy  trustees],  and  thj'  name,  O  Holj* 
Spirit  [''Amen,''  responded  hy  trustees],  shall  have  all  the 
l)raise  ever  more.  Amen  an<d  Amen  [repeated  together  hy 
officiaiing  in i n ister  and  trustc cs  \ . 

J  I.     Doxology. 

12.     Benediction    hij   the  jmstor. 

Sectiox   XII. 

:S[A1{1{TAGE   CEREMONY. 

The  minister  shall  say: 

We  are  gathered  together  in  the  sight  of  God  in  the 
presence  of  these  witnesses,  to  join  together  N.  and  M.  as 
husband  and  wife.  The  institution  of  marriage  is  coeval 
with  the  family  of  man.  God  saw  that  it  was  not  good  for 
man  to  be  alone  even  in  paradise  and  formed  and  gave  to 
him  woman,  that  she  might  be  a  "help  meet  for  him."  This 
union,  like  that  of  tlie  body  and  soul,  is  only  to  be  severed 
by  the  hand  of  deatli. 
Here  the  minister  may  say  : 

If  any  person   knows  any  just  cause  or  impediment  why 
these  ]>ersons  should  not  be  joined  in  marriage,  h^t  the  same 
iiow  speak  or  forever  keep  silent. 
\o   i)npedin\ent    hcing   alleged,    the   minister,   addressing   the 

persons  to  he  married  shall  further  say: 

Deeming  it  sufficient  to  refer  you  to  the  Holy  Scriptures 
concerning  the  duties  you  will  owe  henceforth  to  each  other, 
1    will    receive    your    mutual    plighted    faith,    and    seal    your 
marriage  vov>s. 
To    the  man  : 

Will  you  Juive  this  woman  to  be  your  wedded  wife,  to  live 
with  her  after  God's  ordinance:  will  you  love,  honor,  com- 
fort, and  cherish  her,  in  sickness  and  in  health,  in  pros- 
I)erity  and  adversity,  and  forsaking  all  others,  keep  your- 
self to  her  only,  so  long  as  you  both  shall  live?  If  so.  an- 
swer, "I  will." 
7'o  the  ICO  man  : 

Will  you  have  this  man  to  lie  your  wedded  husband,  to 
live  with  him  after  God's  ordinance;  will  you  love,  honor, 
comfort,  an-d  cherish  him.  in  health  and  in  sickness,  in  pros- 
l)erity  and  adversity,  and  forsaking  all  others,  keep  your- 
self unto  him  only,  so  long  as  you  l>oth  shall  live?  If  so, 
answer,  "I  will." 


196  DISCIPIJNE 

The  minister  shall  then   join   their  rif/lit  Imnds,  and  plaeini/ 

his  right  hand  upon  theirs,  shall  say:    . 

Those  whom  God  hath  joined  together,  let  no  man  put 
asunder.  Inasmuch  as  you  lia\o  consented  together  in  mar- 
riage, and  have  declared  the  same  before  God  and  in  tlie 
presence  of  these  witnesses,  I  pronounce  you  husband  and 
wife,  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son.  and  of  tlie 
Holy  Spirit.  Amen. 
I'he  minister  may  then  offer  a  hrief  prayer,   to   he  folloired 

by  this  henedietion  : 

May  God,  the  gracious  Father,  bless,  presei've,  and  keep 
you ;  the  Lord,  mercifully,  with  his  favor,  look  upon  you, 
and  fill  you  with  all  spiritual  blessiugs  and  grace,  that  you 
may  so  live  together  in  tliis  life  that  in  the  world  to  come 
you  may  have  everlasting  life.     Amen. 

Section  XIII. 

MARRIAGE    CEREMONY    WITH    RING. 

The  minister  shall  say: 

Dearly  beloved,  we  are  here  in  the  sight  of  God,  and  in 
the  presence  of  these  witnesses,  to  unite  together  these  two 
persons  in  holy  marriage.  They  have  passed  satisfactorily 
the  tests  and  requirements  of  the  family,  of  the  state,  and  of 
the  church,  and  now  stand  unchallenged  in  this  presence  to 
be  admitted  into  the  holy  state  commanded  by  the  Word 
of  God,  to  be  had  in  honor  among  all  men. 

It  is  becoming  that  this  marriage  relation  be  entered  into 
discreetly,  reverently,  advisedly,  soberly,  and  in  the  fear  of 
God.  I,  therefore,  a  minister  of  the  blessed  gospel,  entreat 
you  both  to  seek  the  help  of  (4od  in  this  moment  and  in  all 
your  privileges  and  duties,  that  his  love  and  grace  may 
make  your  union  fruitful  of  comfort  and  usefulness,  and  a 
furtherance  of  your  salvation  and  everlasting  life. 
To  the  man: 

Do  you  take  this  woman  before  God  and  these  witnesses 
to  be  your  wife?     If  so,  answer,  "I  do." 

Do  you  promise  to  love  and  honor  her,  defend,  support, 
and  comfort  her,  in  joy  and  in  sori'ow,  in  health  and  in 
sickness,  in  prosperity  and  adversity?     If  so,  answer,  "I  do." 

Will  you  be  faithful  to  her  in  all  things,  and  endeavor 
to  be  a  good  husband  to  her  so  long  as  you  both  shall  live? 
If  so,  answer,  "I  will." 


FOUMULAS  197 

To   the  tcoman: 

Do  you  take  this  man,  before  God  and  these  witnesses. 
to  be  your  husband?     If  so,  answer,  "I  do." 

Do  you  promise  to  love,  honor,  and  comfort  him.  in  joy 
and  in  sorrow,  in  health  and  in  sickness,  in  prosperity  and 
adversity?     If  so,  answer.  "I  do." 

Will  j'ou  be  faithful  to  him  in  all  things,  and  endeavor  to 
be  a  good  wife  to  him  so  long  as  you  both  shall  live?  If 
so,   answer,   "I    will." 

What  token  and  pledge  do  you  offer  that  you  will  faith- 
fully perform  these  covenant  vows? 
The  man  shows  the  ring,  holding  it  in  his  right  hand,  and 

answers: 

This  ring. 
The  minister  shall  say  to  the  woman: 

Do  you  accept  this  ring  in   token  of  the   same  covenant 
upon  your  part?     If  so,  answer,  "I  do." 
Then   the   man,    the   minister  guiding   his   right   hand,    shall 

place  the  ring   on   the  third  finger  of  her  left   hand,   and 

the  minister  shall  say: 

Let  ns  pray. 
fie  may  offer  an  extempore  prayer,  or  use  the  folloiring: 

Our  Father,  which  art  in  heaven,  thou  hast  recorded  the 
promises  of  these  thy  servants  now  made  to  each  other. 
We  entreat  thee  to  unite  their  hearts  and  lives  in  the  bond 
of  a  true  and  abiding  affection,  that  they  may  share  all 
the  blessings  of  a  happy  marriage.  May  their  lives  be 
preserved  from  evil,  and  their  love  know  no  doubt,  but  grow 
in  purity  and  sweetness  with  the  number  of  their  years.  Be- 
stow upon  them  the  Holy  Spirit  and  true  heavenly  wisdom, 
that  they  may  be  preserved  from  all  things  which  have  a 
tendency  to  diminish  the  happiness  of  this  holy  estate. 
Enable  them  by  thy  grace  to  live  together  according  to  thy 
holy  will,  and  may  they  at  last  enter  into  eternal  life  and 
fellowship  with  thy  saints  in  the  kingdom  of  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.  Amen. 
Then    shall    the    minister   request    them    to    join    their    right 

hands;    the    niinistrr.    laying    his    right    hand    iiiion    Dicir.s, 

shall  say  to  them: 

Inasmuch  as  you  have  covenanted  together  in  these  sacred 
bonds,  and  have  witnessed  the  same  by  this  token,  I  pro- 
nounce you  husband  and  wife,  in  the  name  of  the  Father, 
and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Spirit.     Amen. 


198  DISCII'LINE 

What  therefore  God  hath  joined  together  let  no  man  put 
asunder. 

"The  Lord  hless  thee,  and  keep  thee :  the  Lord  make  his 
face  shine  upon  thee,  and  be  gracious  unto  thee :  the  Lord 
lift  up  his  countenance  upon  thee,  and  give  thee  peace." 
Amen. 

Section  XIV. 

BURIAL   OF  THE   DEAD. 

Affrr  the  cashrt  is  loircrcd  into  the  f/rarc.  Ihc  minister  shall 
repeat  the  following: 

"Man  that  is  born  of  a  woman  is  of  few  days  and  full 
of  trouble.  He  cometh  forth  like  a  flower,  and  is  cut  down  : 
he  fleeth  also  as  a  shadow,  and  continueth  not."  "Lord, 
make  me  to  know  mine  end,  and  the  measure  of  my  days, 
what  it  is ;  that  I  may  know  how  frail  I  am." 

In  the  midst  of  life  we  are  in  death ;  unto  whom  should 
we  seek  for  succor  but  unto  thee,  O  Lord,  who  for  our  sins 
art  justly  displeased?  Our  hope  is  in  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ, 
who  hath  said.  "I  am  the  resurrection  and  the  life:  he  that 
believeth  in  me,  though  he  were  dead,  yet  shall  he  live : 
and  whosoever  liveth  and  believeth  in  me  shall  never  die." 
"For  we  know  that  if  our  earthly  house  of  this  tabernacle 
were  dissolved,  we  have  a  building  of  God,  an  house  not 
made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens." 

"And  I  heard  a  voice  from  heaven,  saying  unto  me,  Write, 
Blessed  are  the  dead  which  die  in  the  Lord  from  hence- 
forth :  Yea,  saith  the  Spirit,  that  they  may  rest  from  their 
labors ;  and  their  works  do  follow  them." 

"There  shall  be  no  more  death,  neither  sorrow,  nor  cry- 
ing, neither  shall  there  be  any  more  pain  :  for  the  former 
things  are  passed  away." 

Inasmuch  as  the  soul  of  our  brother  [or  sister]  has 
passed  out  of  time  into  eternity,  we  commit  his  [or  herj 
body  to  the  ground,  earth  to  earth,  .-ishes  to  aslies,  •dust 
to  dust,  in  the  confident  hope  of  the  resurrection  of  the  just 
through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
Benediction. 

Section  XV. 

lord's  rUAYER APOSTLES'  CREED. 

In  case  the  Apostles'  Creed  or  Lord's  Prayer  be  used  in 
any  of  our  services,  the  following  forms  may  be  used : 


FORM  U I- AS  390 

The  Lord's  Prayer. 
Our  Father  which  art  in  heayen,  Hallowed  be  thj'  name. 
Thy  kingdom  come.  Thy  will  be  done  on  earth,  as  it  is  in 
heaven.  Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread.  And  forgive 
us  our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors.  And  lead  us  not 
into  temptation,  but  deliver  us  from  evil :  For  thine  is  the 
kingdom,  and  the  power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever.     Araen. 

The  Apostles'  Creed. 
I  believe  in  God,  the  Father  Almighty,  maker  of  heaven 
and  earth  ;  and  in  .Tesus  Christ,  his  only  Son,  our  Lord  ; 
who  was  conceived  by  the  Holy  Spirit ;  born  of  the  Virgin 
Mary ;  suffered  under  Pontius  Pilate ;  was  crucified,  dead, 
and  buried  ;  he  descended  into  hades.  The  third  day  he  arose 
from  the  dead ;  he  ascended  into  heaven,  and  sitteth  on  the 
right  hand  of  God  the  Father  Almighty ;  from  thence  he 
shall  come  to  judge  the  quick  and  the  dead.  I  believe  in 
the  Holy  Spirit,  the  holy  catholic  church ;  the  communion 
of  saints  :  and  the  life  everlasting.     Amen. 


CHAPTER  XXX  II. 

Forms. 

Section  I. 

CERTIFICATES. 

/,      (Certificate  of  Transfer  o/  Mem  her. 

This  is  to  certify  that 

is  an  acceptable  member  of  the  Ciiurch  of  the  rnited  Breth- 
ren in  Chi'ist  at ,  in 

Conference,  and  is  hereby'  transferred  to  the  church  at 
,  in Con- 
ference. 

Pastor 

Date 

Note. — This  is  not  a  letter  of  dismissal  from  our  Church, 
and  it  does  not  terminate  the  connection  of  the  member 
with  the  local  church  which  grants  the  transfer  until  it  is 
deposited  with  another  church.  This  certificate  is  void  after 
eighteen  months  from  -date. 

Ikitiirn  Certifiente. 

This  is  to  certify  th:it  on 10 

was  received  into  the  fel- 
lowship of  the  Ciiurch  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ  at 
in Con- 
ference, from  the  church  at 

Pastor 

Please  fill  out  and  return  to 

{The  pastor  who  issues  a  eertifieate  of  transfer  shall 
notify  the  pastor  of  the  eharpe  to  irhieh  the  member  re- 
mores,  and  the  pastor  irho  reeeires  a  member  on  sueh  certi- 
ficate ahall  notify  the  church  f/rantinp  it.  ('hapter  IV.. 
t-iection  YI.  Pastor  who  issues  certificate  should  fill  out 
last  blank  on  return  certificate.) 

200 


FORirs  201 

L      ('erii/icdtc  of  Rrconiinetnlnlion. 

This  is  to  certifj'  that    is  a   member  in   good 

standing  of  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  at 

,  and  is  hereby  recommended  to  the  confidence  and 

fellowship  of  Christians  everj^vvhere. 

Pastor. 

I>ate    

i.     Ccrtififdtc   of    WitJuhairal. 

This  is  to  certify  that    has  been  until   this 

date   a   member  of   the   Church   of  the   United   Brethren   in 

Christ,  at ,  and  is  granted  this  letter  of  withdrawal 

from  the  Church  by  a  vote  of  the  class. 

Pastor. 

Hate    

Section  II. 

LICENSES. 

'/.      License   for    Qunrterly-Confercnce   Preacher. 

This  is  to  certify  that  is  an  approved  preacher  of 

the  gospel  in  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ, 
as  long  as  his  conduct  and  doctrine  are  conformable  with 
the  gospel  of  Christ,  as  held  by  this  Church.  Given  at  a 
quarterly  conference,  held  on  charge,  an- 
nual  conference,   this day  of  in   the  year  of 

Dur  Lord ,     Void  unless  renewed  annually. 

Conf.  Supt. 

Date 

•1.      I*ermanei,t    License   for    Qnnrtcrhi-Conference    Preacher. 

This  is  to  certify  that  has  completed  the  course 

of    reading    required,    and    is    hereby    granted    a    permanent 

license  as  a  quarterly-conference  preacher  by  charge, 

annual    conference,    in    the    Church    of    the    United 

Brethren   in   Christ. 

Date 


Conf.  Supt. 


(»'.      A  nniinl-Confercncc   PreacJicr's   License. 

This  is  to  certify  that  is  an  approved  preacher  of 

the  gospel  in  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ, 
as  long  as  his  conduct  and  doctrine  are  conformable  with 
the  gospel  of  Christ.     Given  at  the annual  confer- 


202  DisciPLmE 

ence,  held  in ,  this  day  of in  the  year 

of  our  Lord,  .     Signed  in  behalf  of  said  conference. 

Bishop. 


Date. 


7.     Elder  H  License. 

This  is  to  certify  that  is  an  approved  preacher  of 

the  gospel  in  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ. 
as  long  as  his  conduct  and  doctrine  are  conformable  with 
the  gospel  of  Christ,  and  has  been  ordained  to  the  office  of 
elder  by  the  laying  on  of  hands. 

(xivou   at   tlie annual   conference,   held   in  . 

Ill  is day  of ,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord . 

Signed  and  sealed   In   behalf  of  said  conference. 

Bishop. 

Date 

f'?.      Trunsjcr  of  Prcdcher. 

This  is  to  certify  that  is  a  of  the  Church 

of   the    I'nited    Brclhron    in    Christ,    of Conference, 

and    is    hereby    transferred    to    Conference    of    said 

Church. 

Date 


Bishop. 


9.     Deaconess'   Certificate. 

This  is  to  certify   that  is  an  approved  deaconess 

in  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ. 

Authorized  by  the  quarterly  conference  of 

charge,  annual  conference. 

Conf.  Supt. 

Secretary. 

Date 

10.     Deaconess''  Cei'tificate  of  Consecration. 

This  is  to  certify  that is  an  approved  deaconess  in 

the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  as  long  as  her 
conduct  and  doctrine  are  conformable  with  the  gospel  of 
Christ  and  with  the  government  of  the  Chui-ch.  and  has  been 
consecrated    to   the   ofhce   of  deaconess   by   the   laying   on   of 

hands  at  ,  this day  of  .  in  the  year  of 

<tur  Lord . 

I  Simioil  I Bishop. 


^^  FORlStS  *  203 

Skctiox  III. 

BEQUESTS. 

]l.     The  Missionari/  >iOcietics. 

I  give  and  bequeath  to  the  Missionary  Society  of 

the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  organized  by  the  General 
Conference  of  said  Church,  May  20.  1853,  and  incorporated 
in  Butler  County,  Ohio,  September  23,  1854,  and  reorganized 
by   the   (ioneral  Conference   at  Topelia.   Kansas.   May,   1905. 

the  sum  of  dollars ;  and  the  receipt  of  the  treasurer 

of  the  society  shall  b.e  a  sufficient  discharge  thereof  to  my 
executors  and  administrators. 

[Name] 

12.     The    Church    Erectioti    ^ocieiu. 
I   bequeath   to  the  Church  Erection  Society  of  the  United 

Brethren  in  Christ  the  sum  of dollars,  to  be  invested 

according  to  the  constitution  of  this  society. 

[Name] 

/.7.      ^yomen's  Missioiion/  Ai^sociaiion. 
I   give,   devise,   and   bequeath   to   the   Women's   ^lissionary 
Association   of  the  United  Brethren  in   Christ,   the   sum   of 

■  dollars,   to  be  applied   to  the   purposes  set  forth   in 

the  Articles  of  Incorporation  adopt  od  March  28.   1890. 

[Name] 


I'f.     Church  Trustees. 
I  give,  devise,  and  bequeath  to  the  Trustees  of  the  Unit- 
ed Brethren  in  Christ,  an  in<-orporation   located  at  Dayton, 

Ohio,  for  the  Church  of  the  Uuite<l  Brothr(Mi  in  Christ. ■ — ■ 

dollars,  to  bo  applied  as  follows  : 

(Here  state  precisely  the  purpose  for  which  the  beqviest  is 
made,  or  say,  "To  be  used  at  the  discretion  of  said  trust ecs  to 
promote  the  cause  of  Christianity   in  said  Church.") 

[Name] 

/•7.     Bonchrakc  Tluologictil  Seminar!/. 
I   give  and  bequeath   to  the   Bonebrake  Theological   Sem- 
inary of  tb.e  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  located  at  Dayton, 
Ohio,  authorized  by  the  General  Conference  of  said  Church 
in    Lebanon,   I*ennsylvania,   ]May   2,   18G9,   and   incorporated 

according  to  the  laws  of  Ohio,  the  sum  of  dollars ; 

and  the  receipt  of  the  business  manager  shall  be  a  sufficient 
discharge  thereof  to  my  executors. 

[Name] 


Ii04 


Dfscipi.ixh: 


Sectiox  IV. 

REPORTS. 

1(1.      I'nstor's  Report  to  the  Qunrterhj  Conference. 

Q(;ARTE1{],Y     KlOl^ORT. 

Annual   Conference.   United   Brethren   in   Clirist. 


District 

j                 VLASSKS    OK    FIELDS    OF    LABOR. 

5  Station 

(  Circuit 

Missions 

Quarter 

19.. 

S 

1 

Si 

c 
.2 

>> 

1 

.2 

N 

> 

4) 

6 

6 

6 

1 

e2 

No.  appointments    .  .  . 

.  .  .  1  .  .  . 

.  .  .  1  .  .     1  ...  1        .  1  . 

No.  members  at  begin- 
ning   

No.   members  received 

■ 

No.  members  lost.  .  .  . 

No.   members  at  pres- 
ent      

No.  baptisms    

* 

Discourses     preacljed . 

Pastoral   visits    

Class    meetings    held. 

Telescopes     

•  •     1 

I'iVangels    

1 

No.   Sunday  schools   . 

No    in  Home  Dept 

No    on   Cradle  Roll    . 

No.   in   Adult   Bible 
Classes    

No    in   entire   schools 

No.  Young  People's 
Societies 

No.   Junior   Young 

People's  Societies    . 
No    Women's  Aid   So- 

cieties                 . . . 

No.  W.  M.  A.    (local) 

No.   in   Home  Mission 

Study  Classes    .... 

No.   in   Foreign    M.is- 

Collected   for   I'astor's 
Salary 

....... 

Collected   for   Conf. 

Sunt  'a    Snlnrv 

Collected    for    Special 
Budget 

Offerings  for    

... 

Remarlis 


Pastor. 


FORMIC 


205 


n.  Pastors  Quarterly  Report  to  the  Conference  i^uperin- 
tendent  and  Conference  Treasurer. 

Reports  for  the  council  of  administration  are  clue  as  fol- 
lows : 

First  report    

Second  report 

Thii\i  report   

Fourth    report    : .  .  . 

Final  report  to  the  conference  superintendent  fifteen  days 
before  the  convening  of  the  annual  conference. 

Do  not  fail  to  get  all  reports  in  on  time.  Hang  up  this 
pad  beside  your  writing  desk. 


Pastors  Quarterly  Report  to  the  Conference  Superintendent 
and  Council  of  Administration. 

Name    of   charge 

Name  of  pastor 

Salary  this  year  $ Last  year Benevo- 
lence budget 


1st        2nd    1    3rd        4th      _  ^  , 
Quar.    Quar.  |  Quar.    Quar.     ^<^^^' 

Pastoral  calls 

Salary  paid 

Pledged  on  benevolence  budget 

;■; 

Church  repairs 

Telescope  subscriptions     .                . . 

Sunday-school  enrollment 

Christian  Endeavor  enrollment 



W.  M.  A.  societies 

Cnapters  Otterbein  Guild 

Women's  Ai  d  Societie-; 

Conversions  .                                    .  , 

Accessions 

Present  membership 

Note — Report  only  money  sent  to  conference  treasurer.       In  filling 
out  each  quarter,  be  sure  to  fill  in  the  report  for  the  preceding  quarter. 


206  DISCIPLINE 

Report  to  Conference  Treasurer. 

19.. 

Mr Conference  Treasurer. 

Dear  Brother : 

Enclosed  find  P.  O.  order,  draft,  or  check  from 

station  or  circuit,  which  you  will  credit  as  follows : 

For  benevolence  budget $ 

For    conference    budget $ 

Specials   (not  to  be  counted  on  budget) $ 

For  note   held   by society 

against     $ 

For  Orphanage  and  Home $ 

For  conference  minutes $ 

For   $ 

For   $ 

For   .$ 

Pastor 

Street  

Post  Office 

Note. — Report  on  this  blank  only  the  amount  you  remit. 
Write  any  explanation  on  the  back  of  this  blank. 

18.     Sunday-School   Superintendent''.^    Report. 

Sunday   School 

Quarter 

[Date] 

1.  Number  of  officers  and  teachers 

2.  Number  of  scholars  enrolled 

(a)  Cradle  Roll    

(b)  Begiunors'   Department    

(c)  Primary  Department    

(d)  Junior   Department    

(e)  Intermediate  Department 

(f)  Senior  Department 

( g)  A(hilt   Department    

(h)      Home  Department    

( i)       Training   Department    

Total 

3.  Average  attendance   

4.  Number  of  organized  classes 

5.  Watchword    

6.  The   Boys'    Friend 


207 


7.  The   Girls'    Frieud 

8.  Our  Little  Folks 

n.  Otterbein   Teacher    

10.  Otterbeiu   Homo   Department   (Quarterly 

1 1.  Otterbein    Adult    Quarterly 

1 2.  Otterbein  Young  People's  Quarterly 

18.  Otterbein  Intermediate  and  Senior  Quarterlies 

14.  Otterbein    Junior    Quarterly 

1."».  Otterbein    Primary    Quarterly 

1»).  Otterbein  Bible  Lesson  Leaves 

1 7.  Bible  Pictures  for  Our  Little  Oues 

15.  Amount  of  offering 

10.  Expenses  of  the  quarter 

20.  Contributions  for  local  budget 

21.  ''  "      benevolence   budget    

22.  Remarks 

Superintendent. 

19.     Report    of    President    of    Young    People's    Society. 

Class,    Quarter. 

[Date.] 

1.  Number  of  members  at  beginning  of  quarter: 

Active Associate 

Honorary 

2.  Members  received   

3.  Members   lost    

4.  Present   membership    

5.  Number  associate  members  converted 

6.  Number  meetings  held    

7.  Number  Watchwords  taken 

S.     Funds   collected    

0.  For  what  purposes 

1 0.     Remarks     

President. 

20.     Class- Leader' 8  Report. 

Class    Quarter 

[Date.] 

1.  Number  of  members 

2.  Number  of  meetings  held   

3.  Average  attendance   

4.  Number  of  sick  and  delinquent  members  visited 

Class-leader. 


208  DISCIl'I.INK 

21.  Vlass-Hteward's  Report. 

Class,    Quarter. 

[Date.] 

1.  Apportionment  for  year. 

2.  Amount  due  at  end  of  quarter 

3.  Amount    paid    

4.  Deficit  

5.  Surplus    

Steward. 

22.  Pastor  s  Annual  Report. 
(According  to  form  submitted  by  boai-d  of  bishops.) 

23.     Couferetice    Superinten<lenfs    Quarterly    Report 

to  Bishop. 

(According  to  form  provided  by  the  bishop.) 

2).     Financial   >iecretar(fs   Report. 

Report  of    P^inancial   Secretary 

To Quarterly  Conference  of 

Church 

Annual  Conference 

United  Brethren  in  Christ. 

191... 

Amount   Due   to  Date 

Received  from 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 


Total   Receipts     -     - 

Shortage    

or 
Excess  


FORMS 


209 


5.     Annual   Report    of   l^reasurer   of   Board   of    Church   or 
Parsonage  Trustees. 


Receipts. 

(1)  By    subscriptions 

(2)  By    donations    .  . 

(3)  Interest     

(4)  Collections   

(5)  Rents    


Dol8.     Cts. 


Total    Receipts    . 
Disbursements. 

(1)      Erection  of  

Paid  on  debt — 

(a)  Principal    .  . 

(b)  Interest  . . . 
Paid  for  repairs  . 
For  improvements 


(2) 


(3) 

(4) 


Church  at 


Dels.     Cts. 


Total   disbursements 
Indebtedness. 

U)      Principal     

(2)  Interest    

(3)  Bills   unpaid    


Total    indebtedness 


4.  Number  of   Meetings   held 

5.  Remarks       


Dols.     Cts. 


.Treasurer. 


Section  V. 

CONTRIBUTION     CARDS. 

26.     For  the  Support  of  Our  Local  Church. 

The  sum  necessary  to  meet  the  current  expenses  of  our 
local  church  this  year,  including  the  pastor's  salary,  will 
be  $ 

To  help  meet  these  expenses  I  desire  to  contribute  the 
weekly  amount  under  which  I  mark  X  in  the  space  below. 

Amount    Weekly    for   Local   Expense. 
$10.00    5.00    2.00    1.00    .75    .50    .35    .25    .15    .10    .05 

Name    Date 

Address 


Note, — All  subscriptions  are  calculated  on  the  weekly  basis 
In  accordance  with  I,  Cor.  16  :  2.  However,  if  desired,  the  pay- 
ments of  this  subscription  may  be  made  moathly,  quarterly,  or 
In  cash  early  in  the  year. 


210  DISCIPLINE. 

27.  Benevolence. 
Our  churches  should  introduce  a  weekly  system  of  giving 
for  benevolences  as  well  as  for  their  local  needs,  and  when 
a  congregation  introduces  such  a  system  it  should  be  relieved 
from  special  appeals  for  purposes  provided  for  in  the  weekly 
system.  As  a  suggestive  form  of  pledge  for  securing  the  be- 
nevolences, the  following  is  proposed : 

The   United  Brethren  in   Christ;  To  Preach   the  Oospel   to 
Others  at  Home  and  Abroad. 

Our  church  desires  to  raise  this  year, — 

For  the  benevolence  budget,  $ 

which  includes  the  amounts  for  bishop's  support,  home 
missions,  foreign  missions,  church  erection,  Sunday  school 
and  Young  People's  work,  Board  of  Education,  and  Bone- 
brake  Seminary ;  and, — 

For  the  annual  conference  budget,  $ 

which  includes  the  amounts  for  conference  superinten- 
dent, conference  church  extension,  colleges,  and  other 
interests  specified  by  the  annual  conference. 

I  will  give  the  weekly  amount  under  which  I  mark  X  in 
the  space  below,  for  the  above-named  objects : 

Weekly  Amount  for  All  Benevolences. 
$10.00    5.00    2.00    1.00    .75    .50    .35    .25    .15    .10    .05 

Name    Date 

Address 


Note. — If  so  directed  by  the  annual  conference,  the  salary 
of  the  conference  superintendent  may  be  included  in  the  lot  a  I 
budget.  All  subscriptions  are  calculated  on  the  weekly  basis 
in  accordance  with  I.  Cor.  16  :  2.  However,  if  desired,  the  pay- 
ments may  be  made  monthly,  quarterly,  or  in  cash  early  in  the 
year.  Our  Lord  and  Master  will  be  pleased  to  have  every 
member  of  his  Church,  including  the  children,  contribute  to 
send  his  gospel  to  others. 


PART  VIII 

Special  Legislation,   1917-192! 

The  Four-Year  Program. 

It  is  evident  that  no  church  or  denomination  can  achieve 
its  best  success  unless  it  presents  to  its  constituency  a  posi- 
tive and  comprehensive  program  that  includes  related  tasks 
and  united  effort.  The  need  of  the  hour  for  our  denomina- 
tion is  a  sane,  well-defined,  aggressive,  and  constructive  pro- 
gram of  advance,  that  will  call  out  our  large  resources  and 
challenge  the  united  efforts  of  our  boards,  institutions,  an- 
nual conferences,  and  local  churches  for  the  advancement  of 
the  kingdom  of  God. 

The  key  words  for  such  a  program  are  a  devotional  atmos- 
phere, an  evangelistic  passion,  an  educational  ideal,  a  mis- 
sionary spirit,  efficient  leadership,  the  stewardship  of  life 
and  wealth,  and  co-operative  effort  under  the  leadership  of 
the  Holy  Spirit. 

Recognizing  the  abundant  resources  of  God  and  the  needs 
of  the  world  in  this  decisive  hour,  we  propose  a  four-year 
program  of  earnest  endeavor  to  attain  our  reasonable  ideals 
for  an  efficient  Church. 

The  Aim. 

The  aim  of  this  four-yeaf  program  is  to  meet  the  chal- 
lenging opportunities  before  our  denomination  at  home  and 
abroad,  as  we  pass  the  one-hundredth  anniversary  of  our 
first  General  Conference  and  begin  a  new  century  of  organ- 
ized Church  life. 

This  is  to  be  realized  through  the  vitalization  of  our 
church  membership,  and  by  leading  our  forces  into  such  a 
courageous  advance  in  evangelism,  education,  missions,  and 
individual  activities  as  shall  arrest  attention  and  secure  the 
largest  growth  and  efficiency  of  every  department  of  our 
local  churches,  and  so  strengthen  our  departmental  work  and 
institutions  as  to  greatly  intensify  our  united  influence  upon 
America  and  the  world. 

Goals. 
1.     The    entire   membership   of   every   local   church   spiri- 
tually quickened,  organized,  and  enlisted  in  various  forms  of 

211 


212  DisctPtmE 

service ;  through  prayer  aud  personal  effort  wiuning  150,000 
to  Christ  and  adding  100,0(K)  to  the  Church  at  home  and 
abroad,  and  increasing  by  twenty-five  per  cent,  the  enroll- 
ment of  our  Sunday  schools  and  Christian  Endeavor  societies. 

2.  Our  institutions  of  learning,  at  home  and  abroad,  en- 
riched and  strengthened  as  training  agencies  for  Christian 
service  through  an  increase  of  2,000  students,  500  additional 
trained  ministers,  missionaries,  and  educational  leaders,  and 
$2,000,000  in  new  funds  for  better  equipment,  endowment, 
scholarships,  and  aid  to  men  and  women  entering  upon  the 
ministry  or  missionary  work. 

3.  For  missions,  home  and  foreign,  and  church  erection, 
Board  of  Education,  and  seminary,  Sunday  schools.  Christian 
Endeavor,  conference  extension,  orphanages  and  homes,  and 
other  benevolences  beyond  the  bounds  of  the  local  church, 
the  sum  of  $750,000  for  the  first  year,  $800,000  for  the  second 
year,  $900,000  for  the-  thii\3  year,  and  $1,000,000  for  the 
fourth  year,  in  cash  or  its  equivalent. 

Methods  and  Agencies. 

1.  Personal  devotional  study  of  the  Word  of  God  for  the 
deepening  of  the  spiritual  life ;  evangelism,  personal  or  pas- 
toral, lay  or  vocational ;  every  soul  won  set  to  work  imme- 
diately in  winning  others. 

2.  The  strongest  emphasis  on  the  call  of  God  for  life 
service  in  ministerial  and  missionary  work,  and  the  proper 
training  of  recruits. 

3.  A  well-directed  annual  campaign  of  information  and 
inspiration  on  stewardship,  missions,  and  education,  to  be 
followed  by  a  thorough  every-member  canvass. 

4.  A  campaign  of  education  in  our  colleges  and  seminary 
as  well  as  in  all  our  church  communities  to  give  each  mem- 
ber of  the  Church  a  vision  of  our  needs  and  unsw^erving  pur- 
pose to  accomplish  the  work  before  us  as  a  denomination. 

5.  The  Board  of  Administration  shall  have  charge  of  the 
general  direction  of  this  four-year  program.  The  existing 
agencies,  including  the  church  departments,  shall  co-operate 
with  the  board  in  enlisting  the  whole  Church  in  the  whole 
program. 

<>.  In  the  annual  conferences,  the  administration  of  this 
four-year  program  to  be  under  the  direction  of  the  bishop, 
the  conference  superintendent,  and  the  council  of  administra- 
tion. 


SPECIAL   LfiGfsLATION  213 

7.  Each  local  church  to  create,  under  direction  of  the 
pastor,  a  four-year  program  committee  which  shall  seek  to 
realize  its  share  of  the  goals  under  plans  best  suited  to  it» 
local  conditions. 

8.  Each  board  and  institution  of  the  Church  shall  be  re« 
sponsible  for  the  accomplishment  of  its  part  of  the  program, 
and  the  head  of  each  department  shall  co-operate  sympa- 
thetically with  the  other  departments  and  with  the  Board  of 
Administration  in  the  realization  of  all  the  goals.  • 

9.  Our  publication  department  being  a  necessary  factor 
in  the  early  and  proper  accomplishment  of  our  possibilities 
as  set  forth  in  this  program,  the  publisher  and  editors  are 
instructed  to  render  all  assistance  possible  through  practical 
and  sympathetic  co-operation. 

10.  The  Board  of  Administration  shall  have  power  to  ap- 
point, if  necessary,  a  secretary  to  devote  his  time  to  the 
leadership  of  this  program  through  this  quadrennium.  The 
expense  of  this  secretary  shall  be  a  charge  against  the  funds 
secured  during  the  campaign. 

Aid  for  Aged   Ministers. 
In  view  of  the  urgent  and  imperative  claims  of  our  aged 
ministers  and  missionaries,  a  great  pension   fund  campaign 
shall  be  conducted  under  the  direction  of  the  Board  of  Ad- 
ministration. 

Resolutions  on  Church  Union. 

Whereas,  Very  grave  obstacles  stand  in  the  way  of  a 
speedy  consummation  of  church  union  between  the  United 
Brethren  and  Methodist  Protestant  churches,  because  of  tlie 
unfavorable  attitude  of  a  large  portion  of  both  denomina- 
tions toward  the  proposition,  and 

Whereas,  It  is  clear  that  no  step  should  be  taken  by 
us  that  would  cause  friction  and  alienation  among  our 
own  dear  people,  and 

WTiereas,  We  need  especially  at  this  time  to  couser%^ 
the  Church's  energies  in  carrying  forward  the  four-year 
program  planned  by  this  General  Conference ; 

Therefore,  be  it  resolved,  As  the  sense  of  this  body, 
that  further  agitation  of  the  question  of  organic  union 
cease  for  the  present.  If,  in  the  future.  Providence  should 
clearly  open  the  way  for  organic  union  with  any  of  the 
denominations  similar  to  ours  in  faith  and  polity,  we  hold 
ourselves  ready  for  any  action  that  may  be  deemed  proper 


214  DISCIPLINE 

to  bring  about  such  union.  We  are  also  ready  and  anxious, 
as  we  always  have  been,  to  fraternize  with  other  Christian 
bodies,  and  co-operate  with  them  in  the  larger  work  of  the 
kingdom. 

We  further  direct  that  a  commission  be  appointed  on 
federation  and  church  union,  consisting  of  fifteen  members, 
including  the  bishops,  to  which  shall  be  referred  all  matters 
relating  to  church  union,  federation,  and  co-operation. 

*  Resolution  of  Laymen. 

Resolved,  That  we  as  laymen,  delegates  to  the  General 
Conference  of  1917,  express  our  belief  that  there  should  be 
closer  co-operation  among  the  denominations  of  evangelical 
Protestantism,  and  that  a  practical  plan  of  federation  should 
be  accomplished ;  that  this  should  include  not  only  the  work 
of  the  Federal  Council  of  Churches,  but  also  still  more 
active  connection  and  co-operation  with  those  denominations 
closely  allied  to  our  own  in  doctrine  and  polity. 

We  request  the  bishops  and  commission  on  church  union 
to  seek  to  carry  out  the  spirit  of  the  proposed  union  with  the 
Methodist  Protestant  Church,  and  as  far  as  is  possible,  to 
secure  co-operation  and  harmonious  work  of  the  communions. 

Committee  on  Courses  of  Study  for  the  Sunday  School. 
A  standing  committee  consisting  of  five  members,  two  of 
whom  shall  be  the  editor  of  the  Sunday-school  literature  and 
the  general  Sunday-school  secretary,  shall  be  appointed  by 
the  executive  committee  of  the  department  of  Sunday  School 
and  Brotherhood  work.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  this  com- 
mittee to  study  the  whole  matter  of  religious  education,  ex- 
amine all  proposed  courses  of  study,  including  those  pre- 
pared by  the  International  Sunday  School  Lesson  committee, 
and  superintend  the  preparation  of  any  new  courses  that 
may  be  deemed  necessary  to  meet  the  requirements  of  our 
Sunday  schools. 


PART  IX 
Officers  and  General  Boards 

General  Officers.— The  bishops,  G.  M.  Mathews,  W.  M.  Bell, 
H.  H.  Fout,  C.  J.  Ke'phart,  A.  T.  Howard,  Wm.  H. 
Washinger,  N.  Cas^tle.  emeritus,  W.  M.  Weekley,  emeritus; 
W.  R.  Funk,  publishing  agent ;  J.  M.  Phillippi  and  C.  I.  B. 
Brane,  editors.  Religious  Telescope ;  H.  F.  Shupe,  editor, 
Watchword ;  W.  O.  Fries  and  J.  W.  Owen,  editors, 
Sunday-school  literature ;  L.  O.  Miller,  general  Church 
treasurer ;  J.  S.  Kendall,  secretary.  Board  of  Adminis- 
tration ;  William  E.  Schell,  secretary.  Board  of  Educa- 
tion ;  J.  E.  Fout,  business  manager,  Bonebrake  Semi- 
nary ;  Charles  W.  Brewbaker,  secretary,  Sunday  School 
and  Brotherhood  work ;  Col.  Robert  Cowden,  secretary 
emeritus;  O.  T.  Deever,  secretary.  Young  People's  work; 
A.  C.  Siddall,  secretary,  board  of  Church  Erection  ;  P.  M. 
Camp,  secretary,  board  of  Home  Missions ;  C.  Whitney, 
secretary,  emeritus;  S.  S.  Hough,  secretary,  board  of  For- 
eign Missions ;  Mrs.  L.  R.  Harford,  president,  Women's 
Missionary  Association ;  Mrs.  Alva  Kauffman,  secretary 
and  treasurer.  Women's  Missionary  Association  ;  Vera  B. 
Blinn,  editor,  Evangel. 

Board  of  Church  Trustees. — Rev.  R.  A.  Powell,  D.  H. 
Stoner,  Judge  John  A.  Shauck,  Judge  Walter  Brewer,  E.  J. 
Rogers,  Hon,  Wm.  X.  McFaul  (Term  expires  1921)  ; 
Rev.  W.  G.  Clippinger,  Rev.  George  Geiger,  Rev,  A,  Orr, 
Rev.  J.  W,  Kilbourne,  Rev,  H,  A,  Thompson,  Rev.  J.  I.  L. 
Ressler    (Term  expires  1925). 

Board  of  Trustees,  U.  B.  Puhlishihg  House. — Rev,  A,  W. 
Drury,  Rev,  P,  M.  Camp,  Rev,  J,  A,  Lyter,  Hon,  Jay  M, 
Cogan,  William  Cassel.  G,  A.  Lambert,  Dr,  L.  C.  Weimer, 
Hon  R,  H,  Bennett,  Hon,  A,  S,  Kreider. 

Board  of  Education. — The  board  of  bishops,  the  presidents 
of  our  colleges,  the  president  of  Bonebrake  Theological 
Seminary,  ex  officio;  Prof.  A.  A.  Maysilles.  Prof.  J.  P. 
West,  Prof.  Mark  Keppel  (Term  expires  1921)  ;  Hon. 
William  N.  McFaul,  Prof.  H.  II.  Baish,  Judge  Walter 
Brewer   (Term  expires  1925), 

215 


216  DISCIPLINE 

Board  of  Trustees,  Bonehrake  Theological  Seminary. — The 
acting  bishops,  G.  M.  Mathews,  W.  M.  Bell,  H.  H.  Fout, 
C.  J.  Kephart,  A.  T.  Howard.  Wm.  H.  Washinger ;  Rev. 
C.  E.  Ileisel,  Rev.  Ira  D.  Warner,  Rev.  J.  B.  Connett, 
A.  A.  Moore,  J.  L.  Senseny,  Charles  J.  Hall  (Term  ex- 
pires 1921)  ;  Rev.  W.  O.  Fries,  Prof.  A.  W.  Drury,  Rev. 
J.  W.  Lilly,  Rev.  I.  E.  Runk,  Rev.  J.  H.  Harris,  Rev. 
W.  C.  May  (Term  expires  1925). 

Board  of  Control,  i^unday  i^chool.  Brotherhood,  and  Young 
People's  Work. — The  board  of  bishops,  the  publishing  agent, 
the  editors  of  the  Sunday-school  literature,  the  editor  of 
the  Watchword.  Chas.  W.  Brewbaker,  general  secretary, 
ex-ofpcio;  Prof.  H.  M.  Ambrose,  Prof.  A.  A.  Maysilles, 
Rev.  J.  G.  Huber.  Rev.  S.  C.  Enck,  Rev.  J.  E.  Shannon 
(Term  expires  1921)  ;  Prof.  M.  A.  Honline,  H.  C.  Grid- 
land,  Col.  Robt.  Cowden,  Rev.  O.  T.  Deever  (Term  ex- 
pires 1925). 

Board  of  Control,  Home  Missions  and  Church  Erection. — 
Bishop  H.  II.  Fout  (representing  board  of  bishops)  ; 
Rev.  C.  W.  Kurtz,  Rev.  H.  W.  Trueblood,  Rev.  W.  W. 
Williamson,  C.  L.  Raymond  (Term  expires  1921)  ;  Albert 
Keister,  Rev.  A.  S.  Hammack,  Judge  J.  S.  Kirkpatrick, 
Eugene  Schaefer  (Term  expires  1925)  ;  W.  M.  A.  rep- 
resentatives on  Home  Mission  board :  Mrs.  L.  R.  Har- 
ford, Mrs.  L.  H.  Leitzell,  Mrs.  J.  E.  Fout. 

Board  of  Foreign  Missions. — The  board  of  bishops.  Rev.  S. 
S.  Hough,  general  secretary,  ex-ofpcio ;  Rev.  W.  E.  Snyder, 
Prof.  J.  H.  Ruebush,  S.  C.  Caldwell  (Term  expires  1921)  ; 
G.  A.  Lambert,  Rev.  J.  R.  King,  Rev.  D.  D.  Lowery 
(Term  expires  1925);  W.  M.  A.  representatives:  Mrs. 
L.   R.  Harford,  Mrs.  Albert  Keister,   Mrs.  J.  P.  Landis. 

Board  of  Trustees,  Women's  Missionary  Association. — Mrs. 
W.  O.  Fries,  Mrs.  J.  E.  Fout,  Mrs.  L.  R.  Harford,  Mrs. 
S.  S.  Hough,  Mrs.  A.  T.  Howard,  Mrs.  Alva  Kaufifman, 
Mrs.  Albert  Keister,  Mrs.  L.  H.  Leitzell,  Mrs.  J.  P. 
Landis. 

Board  of  Trustees,  Ottcrhein  Home. — Rev.  J.  M.  Phillippi, 
Hon.  Jay  M.  Cogan.  Frederick  H.  Rike  (Term  expires 
1921)  ;  Rev.  W.  R.  Funk.  Rev.  J.  E.  Grimes,  C.  M.  Wag- 
ner (Term  expires  1925)  ;  Bishop  G.  M.  Mathews, 
Bishop  W.  M.  Weekley,  Hon.  James  M.  Cox  (Term  ex- 
pires 1929). 

Board  of  Trustees,  Quincy  Orphanage  and  Home. — Rev. 
J.  E.  Kleffman,  Rev.  J.  P.  Anthony,  G.  C.  Snyder  (Term 


OFFICEHS    AND    (iENEHAL    BOAKUS  217 

expires  1921)  ;  W.  O.  Appenzellar  (Term  expires  1925)  ; 
Rev.  J.  S.  Fulton,  Rev.  J.  W.  Wilson,  Rev.  J.  Russell 
Showers,  Rev.  H.  M.  Miller,  M.  H.  Myers  (Term  expires 
1929). 
Board  of  Administration. — The  board  of  bishops,  ex-offioio ; 
East  District:  Rev.  J.  T.  Foster,  Rev.  J.  S.  Fulton,  Rev. 
W.  F.  Gruver,  Prof.  J.  H.  Ruebush,  Hon.  William  N. 
McFaul,  J.  R.  Engle;  Central  District:  Rev.  M.  R. 
Ballinger,  Rev.  A.  R.  Clippinger,  Rev.  R.  A.  llitt,  Hon. 
J.  M.  Cogan,  Fred  H.  Rike,  Judge  H.  :M.  White-raft; 
Xorthwest  District :  Rev.  J.  E.  Shannon.  Rev,  V.  W. 
Overton,  Pres.  I.  J.  Good,  F.  P.  Geib ;  Sottthicest  Dis- 
trict: Rev.  C.  E.  Heisel,  Judge  R.  H.  Bennett;  Pacific 
District :    Rev.  G.  E.  McDonald,  Prof.  Mark  Keppel. 

Commissions  and  Standing  Committees, 
Commission   on   Evangelism. — The  board  of  bishoi)s,   Bishop 

W.  M.  Weekley,  superintendent  of  Evangelism,  liev.  P.  M, 

Camp,  general  secretary  of  Home  Missions,  ex-officio ;  Rev. 

J.  H.  Patterson,  Rev,  O,  E,  Williams.  J.  J.  Dick    (Term 

expires  1921)  ;    Rev.  J.  E.  Shannon,  J.  H.  Little,  Elmer 

Henderson    (Term  expires  1925). 
Commission    on    Church    Federation     and     Union. — Bishops 

G.  M.  Mathews,  W.  M.  Weekley,  W.  M.  Bell,  H.  H.  Font, 

C.   J.   Kephart,   A.   T.   Howard,   and   W^.   H.   Washinger ; 

Rev.  W.  R.  Funk,  Rev,  J,  M.  Phillippi,  Pres,  Walter  G. 

Clippinger,  Rev,  A.  E.  Wright,  Rev,  L.  Walter  Lutz,  Rev. 

T,  D,  Crites,  Rev,  H,  E.  Miller,  and  Mr.  E.  L,  Shuey. 
Commission    on   Temperance. — To   be   appointed   by   bishops. 
Committee  on  Sunday-School  Lesson  Courses. — Rev.  W.  O. 

Fries,  Rev.  J.  W.  Owen,  Rev.  W.  R.  Funk,  Rev.  Chas. 

W,  Brewbaker,  Prof.  M,  A.  Honline. 


INDEX 


Absent  Voters  for  General  Conferonce  delegates,  40. 
Absentees  from  annual  conference,  38. 
Acadeniies,    159. 
Administration,   Board   of  : 

auditing  accounts,  89. 

duties  of,   89. 

lill  vacancies,  89. 

financial  plan  of  the  Church,  89,  91. 

four-year   progi-am.    89,    211. 

(Jpueral   Conference  expense   fund,   42.   89. 

organization,   89. 

preachers'  pension  fund,  89,  167. 

recommend  changes   in   Discipline,  90. 
Agent  of   Printing  Establishment : 

dutie?    of,    152. 

election   of,   151. 
Aid: 

from  Board  of  Education  to  students,  158. 

from  Church  Erection  Society,  148. 
Allegheny  Conference,  boundary  of,  178. 
Amenability  of  certified  members,  29. 
Ar>nual    Confer(>nce  : 

absentees  from.  38. 

address  and  sermon  at,  53. 

appeals   from.    76. 

appeals  to,  36.   76. 

authority  of,  38. 

benevolence   funds.   38. 

bishop  pro  tempore,  37. 

boundaries,   17.   173. 

business    sheet,    38. 

devotions,   37. 

electioneering    forbidden,    38. 

examination   of,   42. 

examination    of    preachers,    37. 

examination  on  course  of  study,  69. 

finances,   91. 

lay   representation  In,   36. 

members  of.  36. 

order  of  business  at.  38. 

presiding  ofiicers,  37,  53. 

secretaries.    37. 

sermon  and  address  at,  53. 

trial    of   preachers,    58. 
Apostles'  Creed,  199. 
Appeals : 

court  of,   76. 

from  annual   conference,   76. 

from    class,   26,    76. 

from  quarterly  conference.   36.   7<>. 

from   stationing  committee,  62. 

right  of.  18,  26. 

to   quarterly   conference.    35. 
Applicants   for   Church   membership  : 

acceptance  of  applicants.  19. 

committee  to  examine,  20. 

questions  to.   19. 
Apportionment   to   members.    36. 
Authorship  of  doctrinal  publications,   154. 

218 


l.NDEX  218 


I'.vrTisM  : 

dutnii.'^    of,    14. 

formula  for  adults,   182. 

formula  for  children,  IH'S. 

upon   admission  into  tlie  Cburcb.   19. 
Heneticiary  aid,  158. 

collections  for,  158. 

delinQuents,   158. 

recommendations  for,   158. 
Benevolent  funds,  38. 
He(4uests  : 

forms   of,   20i5. 

general   board  of  Church  trustees,  88. 

Home   Missionary    Society,   118. 

Women's   Missionary  Association,  129. 
Bible   cause,    t>5. 
Bishops  : 

accountability   of,   55. 

address  and  sermon,  5:5. 

announcement    of    representation    in    tlio    <Jenerai     Confer- 
ence.   89. 

annual  meeting  of,  54. 

districts  of,  53.  172. 

duties  of.  53,   120,  123,  125. 

election  of,  17,  53. 

eligibility  to  office  of,  17. 

missionary   oversight,   54. 

of  foreign  district,  5o.  126. 

ordination   of   preachers,    50. 

organization  of  mission  conferences.  54. 

presiding  at  conferences,  53. 

pro  tempore,  37. 

residences   of,    53. 

salaries   of.    53. 

special   sessions  of  conference,  54. 

stationing   preachers,   55. 

superintendents'  association,  54. 

supervision   of  foreign  work,   55. 

trial    of.    59. 

vacancy  in  office  of,   55. 
Board  of  Administration  : 

auditing    accounts,    89. 

duties  of,   89. 

fill   vacancies,   89. 

financial  plan  of  the  Church,  89,  91. 

four-year   program.    89,    211. 

General   Conference  expense  fund,   42.   89. 

organization.    89. 

preachers'  pension  fund,  89,  167. 

recommend  changes  in  Discipline.  90. 
Board  of  Control.   95. 
Board    of    Education,    17,    155. 
Board  of  Church  trustees,  general.  88, 
Boards  of  trustees: 

general,  43. 

classes  and  term  of  service.  43. 

local.  83. 
Bonebrake  Theological   Seminary: 

annual    income,   162. 

business   manager   of.   161. 

custodian   of   funds.   162. 

endowment  funds,   162. 

entrance  examination.   163. 

obligation    of   faculty,    162. 

officers  of,  161. 

post-graduate  studies,   163. 


i20  DlStlPLI.NK 


president's   report,    102. 

trustees  of,  Itil. 
duties  of.  161. 

under  control  of   General   inference,    17. 
Book  Committee,   154. 
Boundaries,   112. 

annual   conference,   173. 

bishops'   districts,   172. 
Branch    missionary   societies,   117,   124. 
Branch  society  W.  M.  A.,  constitution  of.  K:{r». 
Brotherhood  work  : 

committees  and  duties  of,   lO.'S. 

constitution,  lUl. 

members,   101. 

object,    101. 

ohicers  and  duties  of,   102. 

special   offering,   103. 
lUiilding   of   church-houses    and   parsonages,    s.'i. 
Burial  of  the  dead,  formula  for,  198. 

C'Ai.iFORxiA  Conference,  boundary  of,  17:J. 
Care  of  the  poor,  23. 
Central  District,   bishops',  172. 
Certificates : 

forwarding  of,  28. 
limitation  of,  28. 

of  deaconess,  66. 
form  of,  202. 

of  deaconess  consecration,   (;7. 
form  of,  202. 

of   non-resident  members,   transfer  of.   27. 

of  reception  of  members,   28. 

of    recommendation,   28. 
form  of,  201. 

of  transfer  of  members.  27. 
form  of,  200. 

of   transfer  of   preacher,    47. 
form  of,  202. 

of  withdrawal,  29. 
form  of,  201. 
(Jhildren,  home  training  of,  6.j. 

reception   into   the   Church.  20. 
Children's  Day,  96,  97,  98. 
China  Mission  Conference,  180. 
Christian  Stewardship,  94. 
Church  : 

disbanding  classes,  30. 

division   into  classes,   30. 

government   of,    30. 

local  organization,  30. 

origin  of,  9. 

trustees  of,   83,   88. 
Church  clerk,  32. 
Church  deacons,  32. 
Church   Erectiqn   Society  : 

administration  of  funds,  149. 

application  for  aid,  148. 

bequest  to,  203. 

branch    societies,    147,    148. 

constitution  of,   146. 

duty   of   the   ministry,    149. 

granting   loans,    148." 

insurance  for   security   of,    149. 

lot   fund,   149. 

loans,   148. 

meetings,  147. 


l.NUEX  221 


membership,  146. 

name,  140. 

ouject  or,  14G. 

omceis   01,   140. 
duties  01,  147. 

parsonage   fuua,   149. 

treasurer,  receipts  oi,   148. 

under  control  oi  General  Conference,  IT. 
Ctiurcli-iiouses  : 

building  of,   S3. 

conditions  of  mortgages  and   liens,   85. 

conierence   or  districi  property,   so. 

division   of  interest,   80. 

duties  of  trustees,  6'6. 

electing  trustees,   83. 

lormula  lor  dedication  of,   101. 

real  estate,  80. 

sale  and   rent   of,  84. 

transfer  of,   80. 

unused  cliurcU-nouses,   85. 

vacancies  in  board  ot  trustees,  83. 
Cliurcli  publications,   154. 
Cliurcb.  union,  213. 
enurcb   records,  revision   of,   63. 
Cburcn    treasury,   general,    iil,    104. 
Cnurcn  trustees,  general  board  oi,  88. 
Circulating   Cburcb  literature,   duty  of.   03. 
Classes  : 

disbanding,   30. 

uivision  Oi  cuureh  into,  30. 

local  cnurch   organization,   30. 
Classification   of    ministry  : 

classes,  48. 

how  determined,  49. 
Class-leaders  : 

dismissal   of,   31. 

duties   of,   30,    31. 

election   of,  30. 

holding  meetings,  31. 

in  election  of  General  Conference  delegates.  40. 

in  trials,  20. 

qualitications  of,  30. 

records   of,   31. 

report,  form  of,  207. 

visiting  sick   and  delinquent,  31,   145 
Class-stewards  : 

appointment  of,  31,  03. 

dismissal  of.  32. 

duties  of,  31,  32. 

in   election   of   General    (.'(inference   delegates,    4U. 

report,  form  of,  20S. 
Clerk,   church,   32. 
Collections  : 

general,   64. 

missionary,    64. 

for   budget,   31. 
College-extension  courses.   160. 
Colleges  : 

conference    co-operation,    159. 

endowment  funds.   160. 

establishing   new    colleges,    157.    159. 

extension   courses,    i60. 

industrial    education.    ItJo. 

musical  training.    160. 

religious    training,    160, 


222  DISCIPLINE 

rulos   relating  to,   157,   159. 

standard  of  courses  for,  157. 
Colorado   Conference,   boundary   of,    17.'{. 
Columbia  River  Conference,  boundary  of.   IT.i. 
Committees  : 

estimating  committee,  'M\,  P>5,   122. 

for  examination  of  elders,  50. 

for   trial    of   annual-conference    preachers.    50. 

for  trial   of  quarterly-conference  prea<-hers,  57. 

for  trial  of  members,  25. 

standing   committee   on    Sunday-school    lesson   courses.    214. 
Conference  : 

annual,   sec  Annual   Conference. 

General,  see  General   Conference. 

quarterly,  see  Quarterly  Conference. 
Conference   superintendents  : 

association,  of,   54. 

council   of  administration,   51. 

duties   of,    52. 

in   election  of  General   Conference  delegates.   40. 
regarding   incorporation   of   church    trustees.   52. 

election  of,   51. 

power  to  dismiss  pastors.  53. 

power  to  exchange  pastors,  52. 

reports  of,  51.  52. 

support  of.   52, 

trial  of,  59. 

vacancies  filled,  52. 
Confession  of  Faith,   13.   17. 

changes  in.  17. 

of  the  Christian    Sabbath.   15. 

of  the  Church,   14. 

of  creation  and  providence    K! 

of  depravity.   14. 

of  the  future  state,  15. 

of  God  and  the  Holv  Trinitv,  13. 

of  the  Holy   Ghost,   13. 

of  the  Holy   Scriptures,   13. 

of  Jesus  Christ,  13. 

of  .justiflcatlon,  14. 

of  regeneration  and  adoption.   14. 

of  the  sacraments.  14. 

of  sanctification,   15. 
Constitution  of  Church,   10. 

amendments  to,   18'. 
Contests,  41. 

Contribution  card,  formula   for.   209,   21 U. 
Corner-stone  laying,  formula   for,    ItO. 
<'ouncil   of  Administration.    51. 
Courses  of  reading  and  study  : 

for  annual-conference  preachei's.   40,   09. 

for  deaconesses,  74.  75. 

for  German  preachers,   72,   73. 

for  quarterly-conference  preachers.   45,   OS. 

completing  the  course,  70. 

examinations,   08.  09. 

exemption   from   examination,   47. 

seminary  graduates,   70. 
Courses  of  study   in   the   colleges  : 

extension  courses,   100. 

standard   of,    157. 
Court  of  appeals,  17,  70. 

Day  of  Praykij  for  students,  159. 
Deacons,    32. 


223 


Deaconesses,  66. 

certificate,  form  of,  202. 

certificate  of   consecration,   form   of,   202. 

consecration  of.  189. 

course   of   study,   74. 

German  course  of  study,  75. 

homes   for,   67. 
Dead,  formula  for  burial  of,   198. 
Dedication   of  churches,   formula  for,    191. 
Delegates   to   the   General   Conference : 

expenses  of,   42. 

how   elected,   39. 
Delinquent  non-resident  members,  29. 
Disbanding  classes,  30. 
Discipline : 

power  to  repeal,  16. 

to  recommend   changes,  90. 
Dismissals  : 

of  class-leaders,  31. 

of  class-stewards,  32. 
Disobedience  to  order  of  Church,  2."i. 
Disputes,   26. 
Districts  : 

annual    conference,    173. 

bishops'.   172. 
Divorce  and  divorced   persons,   81. 
Doctrinal    publications,    154. 
Duties  of  members,   21. 

care  of  poor,  23. 

delinquent   members,   22. 

family  piety,  21. 

love  to  others,  21. 

means  of  grace,  21. 

necessity  of   union,   24. 

nonconformitv  to  world,  23. 

obedience,   22',   24. 

receiAnng    ministers,    23. 

Sabbath   observance,   22. 

Sunday  schools,  22. 

singing.    21. 

support   of   general   interests,   23. 

support  of  gospel,  22. 

Young   People's   societies.   22. 

East  District,  bishops'.  172. 
Kast  Pennsylania   Conference,   boundary   of.   174. 
I'ast   Ohio  Conference,   boundary   of.   174. 
i:ast  Tennessee  Conference,   boundary  of.    171. 
I'ducation  : 

academies,  159. 

Board  of,  see  Education.  Board  of,   155. 

Bonebrake   Seminary,   see   Bonebrake   Seminary.    ICl, 

colleges,   see  Colleges.   159. 

college  extension  courses,  160. 
Education,   Board   of  : 

annual-conference   board.   158. 

beneficiary  aid.   158. 

constitution   of.    155. 

bont'liciarv  delinquents.    158. 

Education   Day.   150. 

Education    IVay    offering.    159. 


224  DISCIPLINK 


education  fund,   157. 

establishment    of    schools.    157,    159. 

executive   committee   of,    156. 

general    aim,    156. 

officers  of,  155. 

organization,  155. 

quadrennial    report,    157. 

recommendations  for  aid,  158, 

reports   and  recommendations,   166. 

secretary  of  Education.   155. 
Education    Day,    159. 

Educational    in.stitution,    see   Education.    155. 
Klders  : 

election   to  orders,   50. 

examining  committee,  duties  of,  50. 

examination  of  candidates  for  orders,   50. 

functions  of,   51.  • 

in  the  General   Conference,  16. 

license  of,  202. 

ordination   of,   50. 

formula  for,   184. 

questions    regarding   candidates,    50. 

who  are,  49. 
Election   of   General    Conference  delegates : 

absent   voters.   40. 

annual-conference  tellers.   39. 

bishops'    announcement.   89. 

boards   of   election.   40. 

conference   representation,   38, 

nomination  of  delegates,  39. 

nominees   and  blanks.  40. 

publication   of  results,   41. 

retiirns  of,  41. 
Electioneering   forbidden,    38. 
Enabling  acts,  179. 
Erie  Conference,  boundary  of,   174. 
Estimating  committee,  33,  35,  122. 
Evangelism  : 

classification  of  evangelists,   165. 

commission    on,    165. 

conference  and  local  organization,   165. 
Evangelists  : 

authorized,  49,  166. 

classification   of,    165. 
Examinations  : 

of  annual  conferences.  17,  42. 

of   annual-conference   preachers,   69. 

of  deaconesses,  67. 

of  preachers   regarding  life.  37. 

of  quarterly-conference  preachers,  44. 
Exchange  of  pastors  by  conference  snperintend( 
I'^.xpeUed  preachers  not  to  be  received,  47. 
Expulsion  : 

of   annual-conference  preachers.   58. 

of   quarterly-conference  preachers,   57. 

E.\:miia'  Piety,  21. 
Financial  plan  of  the  Church  : 
annual   conference,  91. 
apportionment.    92. 
benevolence  funds,   38.   91. 
budget,    92. 
committee,    91. 

treasurer  of  benevolences.   121.   125. 
apportionment  and  division,  91.   t'4. 


INDEX  ZZii 

Board  of  Administration,  hi).  Ul. 
local  church,  92,  93. 

apportionment   committee,    36,    93. 

benevolence  funds,   31,   64,  92. 

circuit  tinance   committee,   35. 

current   expense   budget,   31.   93. 

every-member  canvass,  93,  94. 

financial    secretaries,   33,    35,    93.  * 

stewards,    31. 

Sunday    school,   93. 
general  Church  treasurer,  64,  91. 
teaching  stewardship,   94. 
Florida  Conference,  boundary  of,   175. 
Foreign  district,   bishop  of,   55. 
Foreign   mission   conferences : 
China,   180. 
Japan.    ISC. 
Philippines,   180. 
Porto  Rico,   180. 
West   Africa,    180. 
delegates  of,  39,  128. 
Foreign  Missionary   Society,  17,   122. 
I-'orms  : 

bequests  to  board  of  Church  trustees,  203. 

to  Church  Erection   Society,  203. 

to  missionary  societies.  203. 

to   Bonebrake  Theological   Seminary,   203. 

to   Women's   Missionary   Association,   203. 
certificates,  200. 
certificates  of  recommendation,  201. 

of  a  deaconess,  202. 

of  consecration  of  a  deaconess,   202. 

of  return,  200. 

of  transfer  of  member,  200. 

of    withdrawal,    201. 
transfer  of  preachers,   202. 
class-leader's  report,  207. 
class-steward's  report.  208. 

conference   superintendent's  report  to  bishop,   208. 
contribution  cards,  209,  210. 
financial   secretary's  report.   208. 
licenses,    201. 
license,  for  annual-conference  preachers,  201. 

for  elder,  202. 

for   (luarterly-conference  preachers,    201. 

for   quarterly-conference   preachers — permanent.    201. 
pastor's  quarterly  report  to  conference  superintendent   and 

treasurer,  205. 
pastor's  quarterly  report  to  conference  superintendent  and 

council  of  administration,  205. 
pastor's  report  to  annual   conference,  208. 
pastor's  report  to  quarterly  conference,  204. 
report  of   conference   treasurer,   206. 
report  of  president   of  Young  Pj>ople's   society,   207. 
report   of  treasurer  of  church  or  parsonage   board.   209. 
Sunday-school  superintendent's  report,  206. 
b'ormulas  : 

Apostles'    Creed.   199. 

baptism  of  adults.  182. 

baptism    of   children,    183. 

burial   of  the  dead.   198. 

church  dedication,  191. 

coitsecration  of  a  deaconess.   189. 

consecration  of  a  foi-eign   missionary.  187. 

consecration  of  a  home  missionary,  186. 

bolv  communion.   183. 

laying  of  corner-stone,  190. 


226  DISCIPLINE 


Lord's  prayer,    199. 
marriage    ceremony,    195. 

with   ring,   196. 
ordiniiHon   of   eldoi-s.   3  84. 
parsonage  dedication,  193. 
reception  of  members  into  the  Church,  181. 
F^ur-year  program,  89,  211. 

General  Confekbnce  : 

absent  voters  for  delegates,  40. 

appeals  to,   77. 

bishops'    announcement  of   representation,   39. 

blanks,   40. 

boards  of  trustees,  43. 

boundaries  of  annual   conferences,  17,   178, 

canvassing  and  publication  of  returns,  41. 

composition   of,    16,    38. 

contests,  41. 

duties  of,  16, 

election   boards,   40. 

election  of  delegates  to,   16,   39. 
of  officers.  43. 

election  returns,  41. 

entertainment  of,  42. 

examination  of  annual  corferences,   42. 

expenses  of  delegates,  42. 

expense  fund,   42,   89. 

limitation   and   restriction,    17. 

location  of,  42. 

meetings,  43. 

members   of,    16,    38. 

nomination  of  lay  delegates,  39, 
of   ministerial   delegates,   39. 

nominees,   list  of,  40. 

number  of  annual   conferences.   17. 

power,   17,   18. 

presiding  officers  of,  17,  53. 

quorum,   16. 

representation  in,  38. 

tellers   to   count   votes   for  delegates,   39. 

time  of  convening,   16. 
General   Church  treasury,  91,  117.  125,   148,   162.   164. 
(General  steward,  see  Financial   secretary, 
(xerman  churches,  transfer  to  English  and  vice  leisa,  86. 
(Joing  to  law,  27. 
<Tovernment,  obedience  to,  22. 
Government  of  the  Church,   30. 

Historical  Society  : 

constitution  of,  160. 

funds,  171. 

General   Conference,   recognition  of,   169. 

location.    169. 

meetings,   171. 

members  of,  169. 

object,  169. 

officers  of,   170. 

propertv  of,  171. 
History  of  the  Church,  outline  of.  9. 
Home  Missionary   Society,  17,   116. 
Home  training  of  children.  65. 
Homes  and  orphanages,   168. 

Iji MORAL  Conduct,  25. 
Incorporation   of  boards  of  trustees  : 

for  church-houses  and  parsonages,  84. 

for  general  church  property,  88. 


Indiana  Conference,   boundary  of,  175. 

Intoxicating  drinks.  79, 

Insurance  of  church  property,   84,  149. 

Iowa  State  Conference,  boundary  of,  175. 

Itinerancy.   17,  61. 

Itinerants,   see  Preachers,   itinerant. 

Japan  Mission  Conference,  boundary  of,  180. 
Junior  societies,   112. 

relation  to  Women's  Missionary  Association,  105,  134,  l.'l." 

Kansas  Conference,  boundary  of.  175. 
Kentucky  Conference,  boundary  of,   175. 

Lay  Delegates  : 

in  the  annual  conferences.  37. 

in  the  General   Conference,   16,   39. 
Leaders,  class,  see  Class-leaders. 
License  : 

granting : 

to  annual-conference  preachers,  47. 

to  preachers  by  quarterly  conference,  35.  44. 

renewal  of  : 

quarterly-conference   preacher's,   35,   45. 
Licentiates  : 

probation  of.  49. 

who  they  are,  49. 
Limit  of  certificate  of  members,  28, 
Limit  of  transfer  of  preachers.  48. 
Literature  : 

circulation  of  general  church,  63. 

in    Sunday    schools,    99. 

in    Women's    Missionrry    Association,    129,    133. 
Loans  of  Church  Erection   Society.   148. 
Local   preachers,   18. 
Lord's  prayer,   199. 
Lord's   supper  : 

doctrine  of.   14. 

formula  for,  183. 

preparation  for,  32, 
Lot   fund.   149. 

Louisiana   Conference,  boundary   of.   175. 
Lower  Wabash  Conference,  boundary  of,  175. 

Marriage  : 

formula  for,  195,  196. 
marriage  relation,  81. 
marriage  of  divorced  persons,  81. 
who  may  solemnize,  56. 
Members  of  Church  : 

apportionments  to,  36.  122. 
certificate  of  withdrawal,   29. 
delinquent  members.  22. 
delinquent    non-residents,    29, 
duties  of : 

care  of  the  poor.  23. 

family  piety,  21. 

love  to  others,   21. 

means  of  grace,  21. 

necessity   of   union,   24, 

non-conformity  to  the  world,   23. 

obedience,  22,  24. 

receiving  ministers.   23. 

Sabbath   observance.  22. 

Sunday   schools.   22. 

singing,   21. 


228  jiiscjpij\K 

support  of  general   interests,  23. 
support    of    gospel,    22. 
Young   People's  society,   22. 
membersiiip  of  preachers,  29. 
reception    of,    19, 

acceptance  of  applicants,  19,  20. 
children,  20. 

committee  on  applicants,  20. 
persons   from   other   churches,   20, 
preachers,    29. 

preachers'  responsibility,  21, 
questions  to  applicants",  19, 
seeliers,    20. 
transfer  of,   27. 

amenability  of  certifiid  members,  29. 
certificate  of,   27. 

form  for,   200. 
ce^'tiflcate  of  recommendation,   28. 

form   of,   201, 
certificate  of  withdrawal.   29. 

form   of,   201. 
limit  of  certificate,  28. 
non-resident  members,   27. 
notice   of   forwarding  certificate,    28, 
notice  of  reception   of  certificate.   28, 
trial  of,  2.'>. 

disobedience  to  ordej*  of  church.   2't. 
disputes,   26, 

going   to   law   forbidden,    27. 
immoral    conduct,    25. 
order  in  trials,   27, 
personal    trespass,    2~i. 
record   of  trials,   27. 
right  of  appeal,  26, 
Membership,  ministry,  and  government  of  the  Church,  19. 
Membership  of  preachers,  29. 
Miami   Conference,   boundary   of,   176. 
Michigan   Conference,   boundary   of,   176. 
Ministry    of    Church  : 

annual-conference   preachers,  45. 
bishops,    53. 

conference   superintendents,   51. 
classification  of,  48. 
elders,   49, 

marriage,  who  may  solemnize,   56, 
preachers'  duties  in  g>^neral,  56, 
quarterly-conference  preachers.  44. 
reception  of  preachers  from  other  churches,  48. 
trial  of  preachers,  57. 
Minnesota   Conference,   boaadary   of.   176, 
Mission    conferences,    organization    of,    54,    119,    126,    128. 
Mission   districts,    118, 
Missionaries  : 

duties  of,   127. 
reports   of,   127, 
salaries   of,    127, 
Missionary   Association.    Women's,    see   Women's    Missionary   As- 
sociation,  129. 
Missionary   Day,    318.    125. 
Missionary    Societies  : 
Foreign  : 

annual-conference  treasurer.  125. 
bequests,    form   <»f,    20.'{. 
board    of   directors,    12.'i. 
duties  of,   123. 


INDEX 


229 


brnnch  organizations.  i24. 

conferences.   I*i6. 

course  of  study  and  rules,  1J8. 

constitution,   122. 

executive  committee,  duties  of,   12.^. 

functions,    122.  ^    ..o. 

general  secretary,  duties  of,  124. 

local    organization,    124. 

merabersbip,    122. 

ministry,    relation   of,   12.>. 

mission   council,   127. 

mission   conference.   126. 

powers  and  duties  of,  128. 

reoresentation.   128. 
missionary   day,   3  25. 
name,  122. 
officers,   122. 
organization,  122. 
reports,    127.  ,  ^     ,o- 

Sunday    sctiool,    relation    of,    12.). 
superintendents,    126. 
supervision  of,  55. 
treasurer,   duties  of,   125. 
under    control   of    General    Conference,    1.. 

Home :  .     .         ,  ^r 

application  for  appropriation,  120. 
bequests   to.    118. 
form  of.  203. 
board  of  control,  duties  of,  11 «. 
brancli  societies,   117. 
constitution.   11<}. 
duties  of  bishops,  120. 
duties  of  pastors,  119. 
funds,  118. 

local    organization.    118. 
mission  districts,   118. 
mission  conference,  119, 
missionaries.   119. 
missionary    day,    118, 
officers,  duties  of,   116, 
oreanization,  110. 
rural  life,  121. 
social   service,   78.   119. 
special   support,   118. 
Sunday  schools,   relation   of.   11?>. 
treasurer  of  benevolences,  121. 
under  control  of  General  Conference.  17, 
unoccupied  territory.   119.  .     . 

Women's,   see  Women's   Missionary  Association.    T-i». 
Mission  Conferences,  119,  326,  180, 
Missouri   Conference,  boundary  of,   176, 
Montana   Conference,  boundary  of.  176. 
Moral   reform.  78. 

divorce.    81. 
oaths,   81. 

Sabbath  observance.   80. 
secret  combinations,  80. 
slavery,   80. 
social  service.  78,  119. 
temperance,  79. 
tobacco.  80. 
war,    81. 
Moving  the  preacher,  65. 

Nkhk.vska  Confkrence,  boundary   of,  177. 
New  schools,  formation  of,  157. 


230  DISCIPLINE 

New  Mexico  Conference,  boundary  of,  177 
Nonconformity  to  the  world,  23. 
Northern  Illinois  Conference,  boundary  of.  177 
Northwest  District,  172. 

Oaths,  81. 

Obedience,  duty  of,  24. 
Official    boards  : 

duties  of,  33. 

executive  council,  34. 

members  of,  32,  34. 

review   by   quarterly   conference,  34. 

revision   of  records  by,   33. 
Ohio  German  Conference,   boundary  of,   177. 
Oklahoma  Conference,   boundary   of,   177 
Old   People's   Homes,    168. 
Orders,  election   to  elders',  50. 
Ordination  : 

of  elders,  50. 

formula  for,  184. 
Oregon  Conference,  boundary  of,  177. 
Origin  of  the  Church,  9. 
Orphanages,    168. 

Pacific   District,   172. 
I'arsonages  : 

abandoned,  85. 
building  of,   83,   84. 
conditions  of  mortgages  and  liens.  85. 
conference  or  district  property,   86. 
division  of  interest  in,   86. 
duty  of  churches  to  provide,  65, 
real   estate,  86. 
sale   or   rent    of,   84. 
trustees  of,  83. 
Pastor : 

duties  of,  see  Preachers,  itinerant — duties  of  33,   62. 
duty  of  members  to  receive,  23. 
resignation  of,  61. 
Pastoral   charges,  62. 
Pastoral   visiting,    64. 

Pennsylvania  Conference,  boundary  of,  177. 
Pension  Fund,   preachers',   167. 
Philippine  Mission  Conference,  180. 
Poor,  care  of,  23. 

Porto  Rico  Mission  Conference,  180. 
Preachers  : 

annual-conference  : 

accountability  of,  48. 

Bible  cause,   65. 

church    membership    of   preachers,    29. 

classification  of,  48. 

course  of  study  for,  70. 

directions  to,   56. 

educational  requirements,  46. 

elders,  see  Elders. 

evangelists,  49,  165. 

examination   of,  46,   69. 

exemption  from  examination,  47. 

expelled  preacher,  47. 

how  received,  45. 

itinerants,  see  Preachers,   itinerant. 

licentiates,  49. 

license,  form  of.  201. 

limit  of  transfer,  48. 

local  preachers,  18, 


231 


membership   in   cliuich    required.   25>. 

qualifications    of,    40. 

reception  of,  48. 

responsibility   of,   21. 

sacraments  and   unordained   preachers,  47. 

transfer   of.    47. 

form  of  transfer,  202. 

trial   of,   58. 
general   duties,   5G. 
preachers    not    to    trespass,    57. 
itinerant  • 

annual    reorganization,    63. 

circulation   of   literature,   63. 

classification   of,   4J). 

collections  by,   64. 

defined,  49 

dismissal    of   appointments,   64. 

duties   of,   62. 

in  the  transfer  of  members,  27. 

to  Bible  Cause,  65. 

to     Sunday     schools.     Brotherhoods,     and     Youuj 

I'eople's  societies,  98. 
to  the  poor,  23. 

employment  of  other  than   itinerants,  62. 

evangelistic  work,  165. 

examination    by    annual    conference,    37. 

how    constituted,    61. 

membership   in   church   required.   29. 

ministerial  relief,   167. 

missionary   contribution.   64. 

moving  of,  65. 

parsonages,   65. 

pastoral  charges.  62. 

pastoral   visiting,    64. 

pension  fund,  167. 

power  to  exchange,  52. 

presiding  at  trials,  63. 

records  of,  64. 

reports  of,  66,  212.  213.  217,  220. 

resignation   of,   61. 

revision  of  records,   63. 

salaries   of,   65. 

stationing  of,   61. 

appeal  from.  62. 

superannuated,   49. 

supernumerary,  49. 

support    of,   22.    65. 

training  of  children.  65. 

withdrawal    of.    61. 
preachers   from    other    churches,    4S. 
quarterly  conference  : 

course  of  study  for    45.  68'. 

examination   of,   45,   68. 

license   of.    45,    69. 

recommendation  to   annual   conference,   45. 

renewal   of  license,   35,   45. 

trial  of,  35,   57. 
required   to   hold   church   membership,   29. 
restrictions  upon.  56. 
Preachers'   Pension  Fund,   167. 
Printing   Establishment  : 
book   committee,    154. 
doctrinal    publications,    154. 
editors,   152. 

election    of    officers,    151. 
employment  of  time,  153. 


232  DISCIPLINE 


inventory,    153. 

local   committee,    151. 

name,   151. 

pioceeds   of.    15.'i. 

publishing  agent,   duties  of,   152. 

trustees — election   and  duties,   151. 

under   control    of   General   conference,    17. 

vacancies,   153. 
Property  : 

churcli-houses    and    parsonages,    83. 

general  board  of  Church  trustees,  88. 

title    to,    17. 
I'ublications,  Church.  154. 
Publishing  House,  see  Printing  Establishment,   151, 

Quarterly  Conference  : 

appeal  to   annual  conference,   36. 

appeals  and  trials,  35. 

apportionment  to  members,  36. 

circuit   finance   committee   appointed    by,    35. 

duties   and   powers   of,   34. 

estimating  committee  appointed  by  the,  35. 

examination  of  applicants   for   license,   44. 

examination  on  course  of  study,  08. 

financial    secretary    appointed    by,    35. 

licensing  of   preachers.   35,   44. 

members  of,  34. 

place  of  meeting,  36. 

quorum   for  transaction   of  business,   34. 

recommending   preachers   to    annual    conference,    35,   45, 

renewing  licenses,  35,  45. 

reviewing  acts  of  official  board,  34. 

trial  by,   57. 

Keal  Estate  for  church  purposes,  86. 
Reception  of  ministers  by  local  church,  23. 
Records : 

church,   64. 

of    class-leaders,    31. 

of  trials,  27. 

revision  of,  63. 
Reorganization  of  classes,  63. 
Reports : 

of   bishops,   53, 

of  pastors,  51,  63,  204,  205,   208. 

of  conference  superintendents,   51,  208. 

of  conference  treasurer,   206, 

of  proceedings  of  General  Conference  authorized,   153. 
Representation  in  the  General  Conference,  16,  38. 
Revision   of   church    records,   63, 
Right  of  appeal,  26. 
Rural   life,    121. 

Sarbath  Observance,  15,  22,  80. 
Sacraments  : 

baptism  and  the  Lord's  Supper.   14. 

formulas  for  administei-ing,    182,    183. 
Salaries  : 

of  bishops,   53. 

of   church    erection   secretary,    147. 

of  editors,   151. 

of  general   Church  treasurer,   164, 

of  missionaries,  65,  127. 

of  missionary   secretary   and   treasurer.    117.    125, 

of  pastors.  65, 

of  publishing  agent,  151. 


233 


Sandusky  Confereuce,  boundarj-  of.   178. 
Secret  combinations  : 

constitutional  provision,  18. 

law  on,  SO. 
Secretaries  of  annual  conferences,  37. 
Security  of  missionary  treasurer,   164. 
Seekers,  20. 

Seminary  jjraduates  exempt  from  examinations,  70. 
Sermons,   special  : 

by  bishops,  o3. 

on  missions,  04. 
Singing,   '21. 
Slavery,   18.  80. 
Social  service,  78,  119. 

Southeast   Ohio   C\)ufereuce,   boundary   of,    178. 
Southwest  district,  172. 
Special   rules,   78. 

St.   Joseph  Conference,  boundary  of,   178. 
Stationing  Committee  : 

appeal  from,  02. 

for   bishops,    53. ' 

for   pastors,    01. 

time  of   reporting,  62. 
Stewards,  .see  Class-stewards,  31. 
Sunday    School,    Brotherhood,    and   \'oung   People's   Work 

annual-conference   relations,   '.)7. 

board  of  control.  95. 

Children's  Day,  98. 

constitution  of  general  board,  95. 

dtities  of  officers,  97. 

exectitive  committee,  90. 

funds,  96. 

members  of  board,  95. 

meetings,  90,  97. 

object.  95. 

officers,  95. 

pastor's  relations,  98. 

secretaries,  97. 

under  control  of  General  Conference.  17. 

vacancies,  96. 
Sunday-school  work.  98. 

budget.  93. 

constitution  for.  99. 

duties  of  officers.  99. 

duty  of  members  toward,  22. 

elections  in.  99. 

form  of  superintendent's  report,  206. 

missions   in,   100. 

organization  of.   98. 

organized   classes.   100. 

pastor's   relation  to,   98. 

relation  to   missionary  work,  100.   IIS.    120.   122.   12' 
Superannuated  ministers  : 

itinerants.  49, 
Sui)erinterulpnts  of  Sunday  schools.  99. 

election   by  the  official   board  provided  for.   100. 
Superintendents'   Association.  54. 
Supernumerary   ministers,    49. 
Support   of   general   interests.   23. 
Support  of  the  gospel,  22. 
Suspension    of  preachers,    58.    59. 

'I'KvcHEus  of  Sundav  schools.  100. 
Tellers  : 

iinn\ial-oonferenco,   39. 

local.  40. 


234  DISCIPLINE. 


Temperance.   79. 

commission,   79. 
day,  79. 
Tobacco,    45,    47,    80. 
Transfers  : 

of  members,  27.  200. 
of    preachers,    47,    202. 
limit   of  transfer,   48. 
Transfer  and   withdrawal   of  members  : 
amenability   of   members.   29. 
certificate  of,  27.  200. 
certificate   of   recommendation,   28,    201. 
certificate   of   withdrawal,    29.    201. 
delinquent   non-resident    members.   29. 
limit   of   certificates,   28, 
membersliip  of  preachers,   29. 
notice  of  forwarding  certificate.  28. 
notice   of  reception  of   certificate,   28. 
non-resident  members.  27. 
Treasurer  : 

of  local    church,   33,   93. 
general   church,    164. 
duties  of,  164. 
security   of,   164. 
Trials  : 

of  bishops.   59. 

of  members.   25,   27. 

for  disobedience,  25. 

for   immoral   conduct,   25. 

going  to  law  forbidden,  27. 

in   disputes,   26. 

order   in,   27. 

personal   trespass,    25. 

right  of  appeal,  26. 

president  at,   59,   66. 
of  preachers,  57. 

annual-conference,  58. 

quarterly-conference.  35,  57. 
of  conference  superintendents,  59. 
records  of,  27. 
Trustees  : 

Bonebrake  Seminary,  161. 

of   churches,   83. 

of   Printing   Establishment,    151. 

of  the  United   Brethren  in  Christ,   88. 

of  Women's  Missionary  Association,  131. 

Tnion.  necessity  of,  24. 

T'nited  Bretliren  Publishing  House,  src  I'rinting   lOstablishuK 

Vacanctks  : 

in   bishopric.    55. 

in    conf(<ronce   superintendents'    districts.    52. 

in   (ieneral   Conference  offices,   80. 

in   pastoral   charges.   53.   62. 
Vacant  church-houses  and  parsonages.   85.   148. 
Virginia    Conference,    boundary    of.    179. 
Visiting  by   pastors,    64. 
Visiting   by   women,    145. 

War,    81. 

West   Africa   Mission   Conference,   boundary,   of.    180. 
West  Tennessee  Conference,  boundary  of.  170. 
West  Virginia   Conference,   boundary' of,   170. 
White    River    Conference,   boundary   of.    170. 
Wisconsin   Conference,  boundary  of.  179. 


INDEX.  235 

Withdrawal   of  members,   29,  201. 
Women's  Aid   Society,  constitution,   144. 
Women's  Missionary  Association  : 
bequests  and  special  gifts,  133. 

form  of  bequest.  203. 
board    of    managers,     130. 
board    of    trustees,    131. 
children's  work,  department  of,  134. 
constitution  : 

conference  branch,  135. 

general  association,  129. 

local   society,    138. 

Otterbein  Guild.   141. 
contingent  fund,   137. 
duties  of  officers  : 

conference  branch,  136. 

general    association,    131. 

local    society.    139. 

Otterbein    Guild.    142. 
Kvangel,   133. 

.Junior,  C.  E.,  relation  to,  134. 
literature,   department   of.    133. 
membership.  130.   138.  141. 
officers  of  general   association,   131. 
organization.   130. 

Otterbein  Guild,  department  of,  13.".. 
relation  to  the  Church,   129, 
representation    on    mission   boards,    131. 
thank-offering   department    of,    134. 
Woman's   Day,    133. 

Young   People's   Work  : 

board   of   control,   95.    105. 
conference  union   constitution,    104. 
conventions.   97,   105. 
funds.  96.  109. 
general   secretary,   97. 
Intermediate   society   constitution.    112, 
.Junior  society   constitution,   112. 
president  member  of  quarterly  conference,  34. 
relation  to  church,  109. 

i-elation  to  Women's  Missionary  Association,   105,  134,   135. 
report   to  quarterly   conference.   207. 
Watchword    and    Religious    Telescope.    111. 
Young  members  to  unite  with,   22. 
Young   People's    anniversary   day,    96,    98.    10^. 
Y'oung  People's  Society  of  Christian  Endeavor  constitution, 
106. 


